04:00As several power stations went out of service following alleged Turkish attacks in northeast Syria and amid an ongoing energy crisis in the country, Syria's al-Hasakeh province locals were forced to look for alternatives for heating and cooking to survive the winter
Despite the high levels of pollutants produced, many locals relied on a vintage kerosene stove called 'Babour' for cooking and heating during winter, despite the risks of air pollution and ill health.
Footage filmed on Sunday shows Hasakeh's residents filling their jerry cans with kerosene as kerosene stoves have become the dominant energy source, filling store shelves and being used for cooking.
According to Jasem al-Dahsh, a 'Babour' repair worker, the demand for these cheaper alternatives has increased significantly due to the current situation.
"Currently, due to a shortage of household gas cylinders and the high price of up to 160-165 thousand Syrian pounds per cylinder, people are struggling with rising costs and poverty. As a result, they are turning to cheaper alternatives, making Babours essential items in households," Jasem al-Dahsh said.
Earlier, reports from Syrian media outlets indicated that several power plants had been targeted and were no longer operational. It was claimed that these attacks were carried out by 'Turkish drones'. The power plants affected included Kobani and Ein Issa, as well as stations in Amuda, Qahtaniyah, Darbasiya, Sweden, and Qamishli. As a consequence, there has been a severe shortage of gas cylinders, which has greatly impacted the availability of these cylinders for the citizens.
The kerosene stove became an essential object in households despite its detrimental impacts on the respiratory system given its toxic smoke and explosion risks.
The National Hospital in Hasakah reported that in January, nearly 50 people were hospitalised due to respiratory problems or burns from oven use in the area.
Energy crisis pushes al-Hasakah locals back to vintage kerosene stove despite health risks
As several power stations went out of service following alleged Turkish attacks in northeast Syria and amid an ongoing energy crisis in the country, Syria's al-Hasakeh province locals were forced to look for alternatives for heating and cooking to survive the winter
Despite the high levels of pollutants produced, many locals relied on a vintage kerosene stove called 'Babour' for cooking and heating during winter, despite the risks of air pollution and ill health.
Footage filmed on Sunday shows Hasakeh's residents filling their jerry cans with kerosene as kerosene stoves have become the dominant energy source, filling store shelves and being used for cooking.
According to Jasem al-Dahsh, a 'Babour' repair worker, the demand for these cheaper alternatives has increased significantly due to the current situation.
"Currently, due to a shortage of household gas cylinders and the high price of up to 160-165 thousand Syrian pounds per cylinder, people are struggling with rising costs and poverty. As a result, they are turning to cheaper alternatives, making Babours essential items in households," Jasem al-Dahsh said.
Earlier, reports from Syrian media outlets indicated that several power plants had been targeted and were no longer operational. It was claimed that these attacks were carried out by 'Turkish drones'. The power plants affected included Kobani and Ein Issa, as well as stations in Amuda, Qahtaniyah, Darbasiya, Sweden, and Qamishli. As a consequence, there has been a severe shortage of gas cylinders, which has greatly impacted the availability of these cylinders for the citizens.
The kerosene stove became an essential object in households despite its detrimental impacts on the respiratory system given its toxic smoke and explosion risks.
The National Hospital in Hasakah reported that in January, nearly 50 people were hospitalised due to respiratory problems or burns from oven use in the area.
As several power stations went out of service following alleged Turkish attacks in northeast Syria and amid an ongoing energy crisis in the country, Syria's al-Hasakeh province locals were forced to look for alternatives for heating and cooking to survive the winter
Despite the high levels of pollutants produced, many locals relied on a vintage kerosene stove called 'Babour' for cooking and heating during winter, despite the risks of air pollution and ill health.
Footage filmed on Sunday shows Hasakeh's residents filling their jerry cans with kerosene as kerosene stoves have become the dominant energy source, filling store shelves and being used for cooking.
According to Jasem al-Dahsh, a 'Babour' repair worker, the demand for these cheaper alternatives has increased significantly due to the current situation.
"Currently, due to a shortage of household gas cylinders and the high price of up to 160-165 thousand Syrian pounds per cylinder, people are struggling with rising costs and poverty. As a result, they are turning to cheaper alternatives, making Babours essential items in households," Jasem al-Dahsh said.
Earlier, reports from Syrian media outlets indicated that several power plants had been targeted and were no longer operational. It was claimed that these attacks were carried out by 'Turkish drones'. The power plants affected included Kobani and Ein Issa, as well as stations in Amuda, Qahtaniyah, Darbasiya, Sweden, and Qamishli. As a consequence, there has been a severe shortage of gas cylinders, which has greatly impacted the availability of these cylinders for the citizens.
The kerosene stove became an essential object in households despite its detrimental impacts on the respiratory system given its toxic smoke and explosion risks.
The National Hospital in Hasakah reported that in January, nearly 50 people were hospitalised due to respiratory problems or burns from oven use in the area.