Istanbul sounds the alarm after 39 years!
As Istanbul records its lowest March rainfall in the last 39 years, experts warn that the current dam occupancy levels should not be misleading and that urgent measures for water conservation must be taken. Across Turkey, the significant decline in precipitation is further exacerbating the threat of drought. While the long-term average for March rainfall in the Marmara Region is 66.1 millimeters, the region received 63 millimeters last year, and only 25.7 millimeters during the same period this year.
AA
Istanbul has experienced its lowest March rainfall in the last 39 years, following a significant decrease in precipitation last month.
According to data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, the long-term average for March rainfall in the Marmara Region had been recorded at 66.1 millimeters.
While the region received 63 millimeters of rainfall in March last year, this figure dropped to 25.7 millimeters during the same period this year. Accordingly, rainfall in the Marmara region has decreased by 61 percent compared to the long-term average and by 59 percent compared to March of last year.
In addition to Istanbul, the lowest March rainfall values in 65 years were recorded in Kırıkkale, 42 years in Balıkesir, and 36 years in Kocaeli and Sakarya.
While the number of rainy days in the vicinity of Kırklareli, Çanakkale, and Balıkesir varied between 15 and 20 days, this number dropped to as low as just 1 day in some parts of Kırıkkale.
"WE ARE OBSERVING A SERIOUS DECLINE IN PRECIPITATION ACROSS TURKEY"
Dr. Güven Özdemir, a faculty member at Istanbul Aydın University and a meteorological engineer, stated in an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA) that there have been serious declines in precipitation across Turkey, particularly in the Marmara Region.
Reminding that rainfall in the Marmara Region has decreased by 59 percent compared to last year and by 61 percent compared to the long-term average, Özdemir said, "We are observing a serious decline in precipitation across Turkey. This decrease is clearly visible when looking at the 39-40 year averages. Unfortunately, drought is breaking Turkey's back."
Pointing out that the danger has not yet passed despite temporary improvements in dam occupancy rates, Özdemir added, "The fact that our dams are full should not deceive us. The heavy rains that were effective on the coasts of Marmara and the Black Sea this year allowed the soil to become somewhat moist, but this is not enough. This is an alarm for the coming years."
"METEOROLOGICAL DROUGHT AFFECTS GROUNDWATER, LAKES, AND RIVERS"
Özdemir stated that the global temperature increase has reached an average of 1.3 degrees, and this increase is felt more severely in large cities.
Drawing attention to the high levels of fossil fuel consumption, Özdemir assessed, "Major countries are struggling to transition to green energy due to costs. However, if the use of these fuels is not abandoned, the drought will increase even further."
Expressing that drought is not just a meteorological problem, but also has significant hydrological and agricultural impacts, Özdemir said, "Meteorological drought affects groundwater, lakes, and rivers. This leads to agricultural drought, and subsequently to socioeconomic problems."
Pointing out that the occupancy rates of dams in Istanbul are above 80 percent, Özdemir emphasized that this should not lead to complacency, and issued a call: "Citizens must practice water conservation. This should be a water mobilization. Everyone must contribute individually. At the same time, urbanization and concrete construction in cities must be prevented, and emphasis should be placed on afforestation. Increasing green spaces in metropolises is an important step in the fight against drought."