Water Reservoirs in Istanbul Decline Due to Climate Anomalies

Climate anomalies have caused a record decline in water reserves in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city with a population of 16 million, according to reports from NTV citing local authorities. Currently, the water reserves are at just 32.4% of normal levels.

The situation is most alarming at the Alibeykoy reservoir, where the water reserves have dropped to 18.6%. Some of the megacity's reservoirs are nearly empty, and if there is no rainfall in the near future, Istanbul will face a severe shortage of water resources.

NTV also noted that in 2019, the water reserves in Istanbul were at 83% of normal levels. However, due to a sharp rise in temperatures, they have been declining over the past few years and have not exceeded the 50% mark since.

The report comes against the backdrop of statements from Turkey's Environment Minister Murat Kurum, who noted that December has been the driest month in the country in the past 52 years. It is predicted that the average temperature in Turkey for December was 8 degrees Celsius, while the average for the country is typically 4.8 degrees.

“This picture does not inspire optimism,” wrote the Environment Minister on his Twitter account.