Turkey: So little rain as in 52 years - Turkey's Marmara Region Battles Severe Drought, Threatening Water Supply and Exports
Turkey's Marmara region has grappled with a severe drought between July and September, marking the driest 12-month period in over five decades. This has led to water supply disruptions in popular holiday destinations and raised concerns about water management.
The drought, which has seen the average rainfall drop to 26% below the long-term average, has hit southeastern cities like Diyarbakır and Şanlıurfa particularly hard. Ankara, the capital, has also faced drier conditions, leading to decreased water reserves and increased heat stress. In Mardin, not a single drop of rain fell in September.
Bursa, a major industrial and tourist hub, has been severely affected. Residents faced water cuts of up to 12 hours a day due to shortages. The city's drinking water reserves are declining rapidly, threatening local supply and exports to Germany. Experts attribute this crisis to a combination of lack of rainfall and poor water management.
With a total rainfall of 422.5 mm recorded, Turkey's drought continues to pose significant challenges. Authorities must address water management issues urgently to mitigate the impact on residents and industries alike.
