Critical conditions in water and heating: a CAT on the brink of a humanitarian disaster

In certain temporarily occupied areas, the situation regarding drinking water and heating is alarming, heralding an imminent major humanitarian crisis. The National Resistance Center (CNS) as well as international sources are sounding the alarm: the water supply has become almost nonexistent, making access to vital heating impossible for hundreds of thousands of inhabitants. This disaster results from a failing infrastructure aggravated by ineffective crisis management in the context of climate emergency and conflict. This situation calls for an urgent humanitarian response to avoid a catastrophe with dramatic consequences for food security and the health of affected populations.

Critical conditions in drinking water: a major challenge for affected territories

Facing a drastic decrease in the drinking water supply, the inhabitants of the occupied territories see their fundamental needs threatened, with direct impacts on their quality of life and public health. The water supply in taps has been reduced to a minimum, or is completely absent in some areas, complicating access to indispensable water not only for human consumption but also for hygiene and the functioning of vital systems, particularly those related to heating.

This shortage occurs in a context where existing infrastructure is severely damaged or poorly maintained, leading to widespread failures in the water supply networks. It is no longer just a technical problem but an emergency related to the very survival of the affected populations.

The main causes of the water crisis

• Damage to infrastructure: Conflicts have led to the destruction of many pumping stations and distribution networks, making water inaccessible.
• Lack of maintenance: Technical interventions are limited or impossible due to security conditions, exacerbating the degradation of facilities.
• Increase in costs: The price of imported water has skyrocketed, contributing to reduced access for the most vulnerable populations.
• Adverse climatic conditions: Drought episodes, exacerbated by the climate emergency, reduce the natural recharge of aquifers and waterways.

The immediate consequences are severe: the population faces a drastic decrease in access to drinking water, essential not only for drinking but also for adequate hygiene, food preparation, and maintaining a sanitary environment. Food security is also compromised, as water is essential for cooking, food preservation, and local agriculture. This crisis recalls the alerts already signaled in several recent humanitarian crises, such as those reported by international observers in 2024.

Factor	Impact on drinking water	Consequence on daily life
Damage to infrastructure	Interruption of distribution	Absence of water in the tap, insufficient alternative
Rise in the price of imported water	Less purchase for households	High health risk, poor sanitation
Climate and drought	Reduction of natural water resources	Usage restrictions, efforts to conserve

Heating crisis: the absence of water threatens the winter season

In these same territories, the heating season looms under very difficult auspices. Heating technically relies on circuits filled with heat transfer fluid (usually water or an antifreeze mixture) that transmit heat through radiators or underfloor heating. Without a sufficient supply of drinking water to fill these circuits, the functioning of the systems is severely compromised.

However, the local situation makes it impossible to fill heating installations on a large scale. Despite attempts by the occupying authorities to ensure a supply, the required volumes are considerable, reaching up to several tens of thousands of cubic meters of water per day. Transportation means such as tankers are insufficient to meet this immense urgent need.

Why is heating impossible without water?

• Importance of heat transfer fluid: Water circulates through the radiators to distribute the heat generated by the boilers.
• Risk of damage to installations: An unfilled system can lead to failures, cracks, or freezing of the pipes.
• Disruption of daily life: No heating equates to a dangerous drop in temperature in homes, especially during harsh winters.
• Impact on health: Increase in cold-related illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations (children, the elderly).

The fact that these critical conditions coincide with the winter period further exacerbates the severity of the risks. This heralds an impending humanitarian catastrophe, where populations risk finding themselves in unheated homes, exacerbating precarity and undermining the resilience of inhabitants.

Technical element	Requirement	Consequence of non-compliance
Availability of heat transfer fluid (water)	Complete filling of circuits	Inoperative equipment, material damage
Regular maintenance	Checks and purges	Risk of corrosion, loss of efficiency
Water transport	Sufficient capacity for necessary volume	Interrupted supply, health crises

Responsibilities and legal implications in crisis management of occupied territories

International humanitarian law mandates that authorities occupying territories are responsible for ensuring the local populations have minimum living conditions, including access to drinking water and heating. This obligation aims to protect the life and dignity of civilians under occupation.

In the present case, the occupying authorities are struggling to meet these obligations, which exacerbates the crisis situation. The CNS reminds that this responsibility is unyielding and fully engaged as long as the occupation continues. Several strategic issues arise from this:

• The respect for international conventions on the protection of civilians in times of conflict.
• The obligation to urgently maintain or restore failing vital infrastructures.
• The necessity of integrated and transparent crisis management, involving humanitarian and technical actors.
• The recognition of crisis situations as climate emergencies exacerbating their consequences.

These points are crucial for guiding and planning an adapted humanitarian response. They are also at the heart of the recommendations made in several reports related to natural disasters and major crises, available in this reference document and on the specialized site natural disaster statistics.

Responsibility	Legal obligation	Impact on crisis management
Authorities occupying the territories	Support for local populations (art. international humanitarian law)	Improvement or worsening of conditions depending on action
International humanitarian organizations	Emergency intervention and advocacy	Rapid humanitarian response, diplomatic advocacy
International community	Political pressure and financial aid	Potential support for reconstruction and aid

Direct impacts on food and health security

The failure to access drinking water and heating directly threatens food security. Water plays a central role in food preparation and preservation. The lack of sufficient water limits the ability to cook, wash food, and ensure essential hygiene to prevent diseases.

Moreover, the lack of heating affects the health of populations, particularly the most vulnerable: infants, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses. Insufficient temperatures promote the development of respiratory infections, increasing pressure on already fragile health systems.

Consequences on food security

• Meal preparation: Decrease in the ability to prepare hot, nutritious foods.
• Storage and preservation: The absence of optimal conditions accelerates food deterioration.
• Hygiene: Insufficient water compromises the cleanliness of utensils and cooking spaces.
• Increase in health risks: Diseases related to poor hygiene, malnutrition.

Impacted aspect	Description	Direct effect
Food preparation	Lack of water for cooking	Less varied and nutritious meals
Food preservation	Absence of thermal control	Increased risk of contamination
Domestic hygiene	Limited access to drinking water	Poor hygiene, diseases

Humanitarian response and improvement avenues in a climate emergency context

In the face of this multidimensional crisis, the humanitarian response must be rapid, coordinated, and adapted to the real needs of the populations. It is essential to strengthen local capacities, support the rehabilitation of infrastructures, and ensure sustainable access to drinking water and secure heating.

The proposed solutions must also take into account the context of climate emergency that intensifies extreme events and makes the operational environment more fragile.

• Emergency water supply: Installation of temporary systems, tank trucks adapted to critical volumes.
• Rehabilitation of infrastructures: Targeted work to repair water networks and heating installations.
• Crisis management planning: Establishment of monitoring protocols, alerts, and effective communication.
• Support for vulnerable populations: Distribution of hygiene kits, supplementary heating equipment.
• Mobilization of the international community: Funding, technical expertise, and diplomatic actions for peace.

Solution	Description	Expected effect
Distribution of drinking water	Tank trucks, bottled water in rationing	Reduction of immediate shortage
Repair of networks	Interventions on pipelines and stations	Gradual return to normal
Temporary heating solutions	Mobile devices and thermal insulators	Mitigation of cold effects