Greece Faces Water Crisis Amid Drought And Climate Change

• Kallio village resurfaces in Lake Mornos due to low water levels in Athens' reservoir.

• Drought in Greece leads to potential water shortage in Athens within four years.

• Freshwater mussels now inhabit the exposed ruins of Kallio village.

A general view from the Lidoriki village, of the artificial Mornos Lake, some 200 kilometers (125 miles) northwest from Athens, central Greece, on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavraki

AP

In a stark reminder of the impact of climate change, the sunken village of Kallio has resurfaced at the bottom of Lake Mornos, one of the main reservoirs supplying water to Athens, Greece. The region is currently experiencing an unprecedented drought, with water levels at their lowest in 16 years.

The exposed ruins of Kallio, submerged in the late 1970s to create the reservoir, serve as a haunting warning of the water crisis facing the country. Freshwater mussels now inhabit the once-submerged village, a poignant symbol of the changing landscape.

Greek authorities are urging citizens to be mindful of their water usage as the capital city of Athens faces the possibility of running out of water within four years if the drought persists. The reserves at Lake Mornos have dwindled significantly, with current levels at their lowest since 2008.

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Drought in Greece leads to potential water shortage in Athens within four years.

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Kallio village resurfaces in Lake Mornos due to low water levels in Athens' reservoir.

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Freshwater mussels now inhabit the exposed ruins of Kallio village.

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Record-hot temperatures fuel wildfires, exacerbating water scarcity in Greece.

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Efforts to address water shortage include reopening boreholes and exploring alternative sources.

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Ministry calls for collective action to conserve water and prepare for future measures.

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Recognition of the need for sustainable water management in the face of climate change.

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Haunting reminder of past sacrifices for water resources in Greece.

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Authorities urge citizens to use water responsibly amidst the ongoing crisis.

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Preservation of water sources crucial for a secure future in Greece.

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The broader impact of the drought is being felt across Greece, with dry winters and scorching summers exacerbating the situation. Record-hot temperatures have fueled destructive wildfires, further straining water resources.

In response to the crisis, the Environment and Energy Ministry has announced measures to address the water shortage, including reopening boreholes and exploring alternative water sources. Efforts to reduce network leaks, tap distant rivers, and recycle wastewater for irrigation are also underway.

As the country grapples with the effects of climate change, there is a growing recognition of the need for collective action to conserve water resources. The ministry has called for a concerted effort to use water responsibly and prepare for potential water-saving measures in the future.

The resurfacing of Kallio serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the past for the greater good. As Greece confronts the challenges of a changing climate, the preservation of water sources and sustainable water management are paramount to ensuring a secure future for all.

For more climate coverage, visit AP's climate coverage.