Jordan is facing one of the worst water crises in its history, officially entering an emergency stage this week after the Water Ministry announced that reservoirs had dropped below the red line. A dry winter combined with over-pumping of underground sources has pushed the Hashemite Kingdom, already one of the world’s most water-poor nations, into near catastrophe.

According to the UN, Jordan is the second most water-scarce country on earth. The average Jordanian has access to only about 60 cubic meters of water per year, compared to the global average of around 500. This shortfall is straining households, agriculture, and industry, and sparking fears of severe instability if drought continues.

Public anger is rising. Social media users are lashing out at what they call “governmental neglect,” while others place partial blame on Israel, accusing it of unfairly controlling regional water resources. The criticism is amplified by the longstanding sensitivity over the Jordan River basin and water-sharing agreements.