High temperatures and seawater entering the Evros River Delta are causing the death of horses living on nearby islets.
The horses have been living unmonitored on the islets for decades.
Deputy Regional Governor of Evros, Evangelos Poulilios, said the problem emerged when seawater infiltrated the river for about 10 kilometers, resulting in the islet being surrounded by non-potable water.
The ongoing drought in Greece has exacerbated the situation, leading to reduced river flow and increased salinity.
This has not only affected the horses on the islets but also farmers and the broader ecosystem. Authorities say the lack of freshwater has depleted feed supplies for the horses and cattle, forcing farmers to stable their cattle due to the lack of water and feed.
Officials are working to prevent further deaths by transporting water and feed to the horses.
They are also setting up tanks and troughs for the horses to drink from.
Local residents are helping with the effort by refilling the tanks and troughs. Veterinarians will also inspect the islet to assess the condition of the horses.
The seawater infiltration is not a new problem.
Nikos Mousounakis, President of the Ainisio Delta Association, said it occurs during droughts when the river flow is reduced, allowing seawater to dominate.
Officials hope to resolve the issue by working together with all involved parties.
Mr. Mousounakis stressed the difficulty of managing the current situation, saying that a resolution to the problem “requires the cooperation of all involved parties."