Turkish city left with only 10 days of water supply after battling wildfires
Meters of water have receded in Yedikir Dam Lake in Amasya due to drought and irrigation needs, Türkiye, July 25, 2024 (IHA Photo)
A wildfire that erupted in the Tekpinar village of Tasova district on was successfully brought under control thanks to the prompt response of local authorities and citizens.
The blaze, which posed a serious threat to the surrounding fruit orchards, was reported to the Emergency Call Center, triggering a swift response from firefighters and emergency services.
The recent surge in wildfires has strained the city’s water resources, leading to a significant decline in water levels. To conserve water and ensure equitable distribution, local authorities have implemented scheduled water cuts in various neighborhoods during nighttime hours.
Amasya Mayor Turgay Sevindi stated, “We have enough water to last for 10 days if we continue to provide it regularly,” explaining the situation.
Wildfires, drought and water shortages
Experiencing a drought and lack of rainfall, Amasya Municipality is actively seeking solutions. Mayor Sevindi shared footage from his visits to local businesses, highlighting the growing gap between daily water consumption and the amount of water available in reservoirs.
“Due to the lack of rain, our water supply is low. Even with continuous supply, we have enough water for only 10 days. Therefore, to address the deficiencies in the reservoirs without inconveniencing citizens, we are implementing night-time water cuts,” he said.
Yesilirmak River faces oxygen crisis and fish deaths
The Yesilirmak River, one of Amasya’s vital waterways, is also experiencing issues. Changes in the water’s color in the Atasehir area have led to numerous fish appearing on the surface.
The Provincial Directorate of Environment, Urban Planning, and Climate Change reported that the river’s flow rate is low and that elevated temperatures are causing a significant decrease in dissolved oxygen levels.
This oxygen reduction is suspected to be the cause of the fish deaths.
Amasya is confronting multiple crises, including a fire and severe water shortage, exacerbated by ongoing drought conditions. The situation is being closely monitored as authorities implement measures to address both the immediate fire risk and long-term water scarcity.
