Damascus Facing A Water Disaster As Fighting Has Interrupted Supplies

CNN: Water is the latest battleground in Syria

(CNN)Nour, a housewife in Damascus, says the latest joke in the Syrian capital is also a prayer of sorts: "May the gold you hold become water."

It is a half-hearted attempt to make light of a water crisis that is impacting millions in Damascus, a city that has been relatively sheltered from the violence raging elsewhere in the country.

Nour said that her family just got water on Tuesday morning, after four days without access. Her family quickly lined up to use the shower and she switched on the washing machine. Now, when she hears the sound of the water motor running, she says it is "like a wedding."

"When the water comes, it's the same joy as a mom having a boy after 10 daughters," Nour said. She did not feel comfortable sharing her last name with CNN.

Some four million people in Damascus have suffered from acute water shortages for more than a week after springs outside the Syrian capital were targeted, the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said in a statement on December 29.

Water from the Wadi Barada and Ain al-Fija springs, which serve 70 percent of the population in and around Damascus, was cut after infrastructure was

damaged in fierce clashes. OCHA described the damages as "deliberate," without saying who was responsible.

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WNU Editor: The fighting around Damascus is intensifying thereby aggravating the water shortage .... Syrian cease-fire crumbles as government forces advance around Damascus (Washington Post)

More News On Damascus' Water Crisis

Damascus water crisis rages as regime pounds rebel-held valley source, contaminates supply -- AP
Four million in Damascus without water -- Reuters
The Water Supply To Damascus Is Disrupted By Syria's Civil War -- NPR
Damascus water crisis continues for 10th day -- Press TV
Syrian ceasefire crumbles as Damascus 'on the brink of disaster' -- Sydney Morning Herald
Syrian water wars: Damascus still without water as battle for springs enters endgame -- SOFREP
Four million people in Damascus have no access to water -- Reliefweb