Cyprus appeals to residents to cut water use amid once-in-a-century drought

"Authorities in Cyprus have urged residents to reduce their water intake by 10% the equivalent of two minutes' use of running water each day as Europe's most south-easterly nation grapples with a once-in-a century drought. The appeal, announced alongside a 31m (27m) package of emergency measures, comes as reservoirs hit record lows with little prospect of replenishment before the tourist season starts."

"Water reserves in February stand at 13.7% of total storage capacity compared with 26% this time last year, a figure officials were then calling dire. And the situation could get a lot worse in the EU member state with the highest water stress levels. Temperatures in the region are rising 20% faster than the global average in the climate crisis, according to the Mediterranean Growth Initiative, a data analysis platform. This accelerated warming is putting severe pressure on freshwater resources, which are rapidly running dry"

Cyprus is experiencing a once-in-a-century drought with reservoirs at record lows and total storage down to 13.7% in February, compared with 26% last year. Authorities urged a 10% reduction in household water use—about two minutes of running water daily—and announced a €31m emergency package. Dam inflows are the lowest since 1901 and vast tracts of land, including prime forest areas, are desiccated and dying. The Kouris reservoir has fallen to around 12.2% capacity, exposing the church of St Nicholas. Regional temperatures are rising faster than the global average, accelerating freshwater depletion.

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