Cyprus Faces "Worst Drought in a Century" as Reservoirs Hit Record Lows

Authorities in Cyprus have declared a state of emergency as the island nation grapples with its most severe water crisis in over 100 years. Residents and tourists alike are being urged to slash their water consumption by at least 10%—roughly equivalent to cutting two minutes from their daily running water usage—to stave off a total shortage.

The call for drastic conservation comes alongside the announcement of a €31 million emergency relief package. Hydrological records, which date back to 1901, show that the flow of water into the island's dams has reached an unprecedented low. Currently, reservoir levels sit at a staggering 13.7% of total capacity, down from 26% during the same period last year.

A Critical Turning Point

Eliana Tufa-Christidou, head of the Water Development Department, warned that the situation has reached a critical juncture. "Everyone must reduce their consumption, whether showering, brushing teeth, or using washing machines," she told The Guardian. "Every drop now has value."

The crisis is particularly visible at the Kouris Reservoir, the island's largest, where water levels have plummeted to just 12%. Large swaths of land have turned into parched dust bowls, and local forests are experiencing rapid die-off due to the lack of moisture.

The Climate Change Factor

Experts attribute the severity of the drought to a combination of factors:

Rising Temperatures: Regional temperatures are rising 20% faster than the global average.

Declining Rainfall: Precipitation has decreased by 15% since the beginning of the 21st century.

Soaring Demand: Water demand has surged by 300% due to rapid population growth and a thriving tourism industry.

Emergency Measures

In response, the government is launching a massive awareness campaign aimed at limiting individual water use to 140 liters per day. Additional measures include accelerating the reuse of treated wastewater, repairing aging infrastructure to stop leaks, and providing financial incentives for households to install water-saving devices.

With the peak tourist season approaching, officials are racing against time to stabilize the supply before the island sees a further influx of visitors.