Lake Akşehir in Turkey threatened by drought

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Years of drought have started to take their toll on AkÅŸehir, a 354 square kilometer (87,475 acre) lake in central Konya province. The lake has shrunk considerably this year, with swamp and reeds invading its coast, as well as weeds growing on the shores.

The fifth largest lake in the country is almost like a small pond these days, with authorities expressing concerns about its future. It is located in a province known for its arid climate, but it is also located in a place with the highest rainfall levels in Konya. Climate change, along with excessive drainage of water for irrigation, is responsible for the reduction in water levels.

Salih Akkaya, mayor of AkÅŸehir, where the lake is located, said the water body now had “its share of climate change”. Akkaya said the amount of precipitation fell to 400 millimeters from 700 millimeters per year in the city.

“So the lake has less water supply. It is bleeding now, “he lamented. Akkaya said the drought in the lake had also affected cherry production on its shores.” The humidity the lake provided to the orchards on its shores made them more bearable for exports, but it’s gone now, ”he said.

The mayor said cracks were believed to have been at the bottom of the lake after a 2002 earthquake in neighboring Afyon province, may also have played a role in lowering water levels and said they would lead a study with the help of academics to find out if this is one of the causes.

“We are also discussing with the State Hydraulics Works (DSI) how to supply the lake with water,” he said, referring to the public body in charge of the aqueduct. They plan to supply water to AkÅŸehir from neighboring basins. “But our best hope is more precipitation. We pray that with more precipitation the water levels will be restored, ”he said.

This is not the first time that the lake has dried up. In 1935 and 2008, the waters receded entirely, before the rains filled them again.

Turkey has suffered from a period of drought over the past two years which has resulted in lower water levels in dams and lakes. Amid concerns about climate change, the government is seeking to rehabilitate land and increase water supply.

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