In Istanbul, diminished rainfall this yr has led to a drastic drop in water ranges at three out of 10 dams, all the way down to round solely 3%.
The metropolis, experiencing certainly one of its most vital droughts lately, faces the impression of extended below-average rainfall and temperatures persistently exceeding seasonal norms, inflicting a few of the dams that provide water to dry up.
According to knowledge from the Istanbul Water and Sewage Administration (ISKI), the numerous water supply of Büyükçekmece Lake has been affected by the drought. Last yr, the lake’s water degree, which was at 46.64% throughout the identical interval, plummeted to three.97%, marking the bottom degree previously 11 years.
Aerial footage captured by the Anadolu Agency (AA) workforce exhibits receded waters in areas that had been beforehand crammed in Büyükçekmece Lake, dramatically displaying cracked and dry land the place there was as soon as water as a result of drought.
Among the dams supplying water to town, Sazlıdere Dam information the bottom water degree. Last yr, on Nov. 5, the dam’s water degree was at 44.02%, which has presently dropped to 2.77%.
Pabuçdere Dam is on the verge of drying up, with its present water degree at 3.45%, barely larger than the three.42% measured throughout the identical interval final yr. Similarly, Kazandere Dam’s water degree, which was at 27.01% final yr on Nov. 5, has decreased to 7.3%.
Terkos Dam presently stands at a 7.95% water degree, whereas it was at 43.34% throughout the identical interval final yr. Elmalı Dam, which had a water degree of 43.58% on Nov. 5 final yr, has plunged to its lowest degree in six years, reaching 16.04%.
Alibey Dam, registering a water degree of twenty-two.9% final yr, has now dropped to 17.7%, the bottom degree in a decade. Istrancalar Dam’s water degree, which was at 26.78% final yr, is presently recorded at 27.59%.
Furthermore, Darlık Dam, with a water degree of 41.72% on Nov. 5 final yr, has now lowered to twenty-eight.83%. The water degree in Ömerli Dam stands at 38.12% presently, down from 42.92% on the identical time final yr, marking the bottom degree within the final 9 years.
Among the ten dams supplying water to town, seven have water ranges beneath 20%, with an general common of 17.59%.
Call for measure
Professor Hüseyin Toros from Istanbul Technical University’s Department of Meteorological Engineering emphasised the significance of taking quick measures in water utilization.
“If residents can save one-third of their water utilization, Istanbul won’t face water shortage. By doing so, town can handle till new rainfall arrives,” he stated.
“Additionally, lowering water consumption within the kitchen, at sinks, in showers and bathrooms is essential.”
The extreme repercussions of an ongoing drought have prolonged their attain to varied areas within the nation, the place the dire water shortage challenge has intensified as a result of results of local weather change.
As a proactive response to the local weather disaster and in a concerted effort to encourage water conservation, authorities authorities have launched a complete “Drought Management Plan” for 23 basins nationwide, a latest initiative that goals to deal with the urgent points at hand.
The plan, unveiled earlier this yr, not solely serves to intensify public consciousness relating to the perils related to local weather change but additionally endeavors to advertise accountable and sustainable water utilization practices to make sure the longevity of our very important water sources.
Source: www.dailysabah.com