Unraveling Syria’s Crisis: The Alarming Impact on Nature and Public Health – Shafaq News

Shafaq News – Damascus

Wildfires are causing severe devastation in Syria, burning thousands of hectares and forcing residents to evacuate. Experts are increasingly worried about the long-term effects on both the environment and public health.

These fires triggered a major regional response, with over 150 teams from Syria’s Civil Defense joining the fight. They’re supported by around 300 firefighting vehicles and heavy machinery, which help create access roads and divide forest sectors. Ground teams from Turkiye, Jordan, and Iraq have also stepped in, while aerial support includes 16 firefighting aircraft working together from Syria, Turkiye, Jordan, and Lebanon. Iraq has even sent 20 firefighting units to help out in Latakia, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Since July 3, flames have especially surged in the Latakia countryside. In response, Syrian authorities have formally requested help from the European Union to aid in suppression efforts.

Multi-layered Impacts

The damage from these fires is much more than just visible destruction. Environmental researcher and climate expert, Anas Rahmoun, outlines the impacts as immediate, medium-term, and long-term. He warns that some endangered plant species may already be lost, although a full assessment can only happen once the fires are under control.

In the short term, the fires have released toxic gases like carbon monoxide and sulfur dioxide, polluting the air across northern Syria. Smoke from the fires is affecting cities like Aleppo, Hama, and Idlib, posing serious risks for people with respiratory issues.

“The polluted air is a direct threat to public health,” Rahmoun explains, especially for those with asthma and other breathing problems.

As the firefighting teams continue to combat the spread, experts are also concerned about the contribution of these fires to climate change. Some areas have recorded temperature rises of up to half a degree Celsius, which can lower humidity and lead to worse heatwaves.

“These fires are speeding up climate change in Syria,” Rahmoun warns. “The country is already feeling the effects of global climate shifts, and these fires add a local factor that disrupts the ecological balance.”

With vegetation loss, soils are now more susceptible to erosion, compromising agricultural stability. Rahmoun also notes significant disruption to microorganisms crucial for soil health.

He adds, “Many animals, including birds and rabbits, have fled or perished, indicating the magnitude of the disaster.”

The fires have devastated agricultural zones, including orchards vital for local economies. Families near forest areas, particularly in locations like Qustal Maaf and Kassab, have had to evacuate.

Initial estimates suggest that between 14,000 and 16,000 square meters of forest have burned, with environmental impacts expected to extend to surrounding areas.

Path to Recovery

While discussions about long-term recovery and reforestation are underway, Rahmoun emphasizes that containment must be the immediate focus. No rehabilitation can start until the fires are fully extinguished.

Despite this, some non-governmental organizations are already launching fundraising campaigns for restoring damaged areas. However, Rahmoun cautions that any substantial reforestation efforts would take at least two years to show results.

“The greatest impact of these fires is on people,” he notes. “Every disruption—whether it’s air quality or soil health—quickly circles back to affect our well-being and economic stability.”

Amid these challenges, it’s crucial to monitor ongoing developments and support efforts focused on containment and recovery for affected communities.

For additional statistics and information on wildfire impacts, check out this [report from the World Health Organization](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/wildfires-and-health).

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