Conditions of severe drought have forced Civil Protection authorities to declare a state of emergency on the island of Leros.
The decision, signed by General Secretary of Civil Protection Vasilis Papageorgiou, aims to address dire consequences arising from water scarcity.
The emergency status will be in effect for one month, through July 25, 2024.
The move follows a request tabled by the island’s mayor Timotheos Kottakis, allowing for immediate transports of water and the assistance of the Hellenic Navy to alleviate the water shortage.
Scheduled water supply interruptions will also affect the neighboring island of Meganisi. Authorities urge residents to conserve water in the following month.
Measures include promptly reporting leaks in household faucets and pipes, refraining from daily washing of courtyards and roads for cooling purposes, and minimizing car washing.
“Every drop counts, and collective efforts can make a difference,” authorities wrote in a public notice. “Let us join forces to ensure water availability and resilience in the face of climate challenges.”
Climate change-induced reduction in winter rainfall and rising temperatures have significantly impacted water reserves, including the primary water source in Vavkeri.