Ensuring access to safe water amid security disruptions in coastal Syria
UNICEF acts swiftly to support over 1.5 million people affected by power outages impacting water supply
Lattakia - Following recent security incidents in Syria’s coastal region in March 2025, thousands of children and their families faced a sudden lack of access to potable water. A power outage in the area caused the Al Sen water treatment plant—one of the largest in the region—to go out of service. This plant is a critical lifeline, supplying safe drinking water to approximately 1.5 million people across Tartous and Lattakia governorates, half of whom are children.
In response, and in close coordination with partners, UNICEF acted swiftly to restore delivery of safe water. Support focused on two urgent needs: first, supplying diesel fuel to operate the plant’s backup generators until connection to the national power grid is restored, enabling the facility to pump water to benefiting communities; and second, ensure continued availability of purification chemicals for water to remain safe to drink.
This rapid intervention helped ensure continuity of water access for affected families during a time of heightened vulnerability. Watch UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Officer, Eiad Tamer, explain more about the response.
With the generous support of our donors and partners, this initiative was made possible through flexible Core Resources for Results (RR) funding, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively wherever the need is greatest. These unrestricted resources are the foundation of our promise to deliver for every child.
