Dewatering in Za’atari Camp

During the week of 25 November 2014, there was a heavy rain fall in Za’atari Camp. Due to the poor water absorption of the soil in Za’atari, rain brings much hardship to the Syrian refugees living in Za’atari, with the rain water flooding houses and roads.

The situation has improved dramatically since the previous year, since many more people have moved into caravans that are raised slightly from the ground, protecting them from rain entering into their houses. In addition, with the help of the UN and other agencies, camp has more paved roads that are protected from flooding, allowing movements during rain a lot easier. There has been a basic storm water drainage system installed as well as a number of culverts that facilitate the water to drain towards the outskirts of the camp, rather than stagnating in the middle of the districts.

However, there were still some areas that are prone to flooding, especially in the old southwest part of the camp, where the drainage systems do not work as well because of the challenges in site planning, and also with the fact that the dirt ground is not suitable for absorbing rain as well as graveled ground seen in other parts of the camp. In some bad cases, the road in front of caravans flooded so much that children could not pass to get to school. In addition, the rain water, combined with the stagnant grey water, had created deep puddles in one of the schools, creating a serious hygiene risk.

[School ground flooded with rain water]

[Classroom flooded with rain water]

To respond to such challenges, JEN formed a group of emergency responders who are responsible for managing the dewatering trucks to remove the water from flooded areas, and to work with the Syrian communities to identify problematic areas. During the rainy week, the staff worked in the camp after working hours to monitor and direct the dewatering trucks, as well as to work with refugees to address other related issues such as the risk of electric shocks where electric lines were submerged into water. Some days, JEN staff worked until 2 or 3 in the morning in the rain to handle the emergency situation as much as possible.

[Dewatering team preparing for the night’s work]

In the school that was flooded, there was a risk that children will not be able to attend school the next day because of the hygiene risks. JEN staff directed 3-5 trucks to remove the water as quickly possible in order to prepare a suitable condition to continue the school work. Because of JEN’s tireless work, children and teachers were able to access the schools the next day without major issues and many families were able to stay safe and comfortable in their homes during the rain.

[Dewatering crew removing the rain water]

[One day of rain can flood the camp streets]

In a refugee camp, small changes like rain create major issues for people who are residing there. To continue providing a safe and comfortable living environment for Syrian refugees living in Jordan, JEN will continue to implement projects in Za’atari Camp and in host communities through 2015.

Thanks for those who sponsored and supported JEN’s projects in Jordan in 2014. JEN’s team looks forward to spreading more information about JEN’s work this year!

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