Overview
- The drought declarations this week put seven islands in the southeastern Aegean under official emergency orders to preserve scarce freshwater.
- Astypalaia faces the most acute shortage as residents rely on bottled water, its main reservoir holds about one-sixth of capacity, and irrigation for farmers has been stopped.
- Authorities fast-tracked a temporary desalination plant that produces 600 cubic metres of water per day for Astypalaia and set up a second facility in the main town to cover peak summer demand.
- The national government has approved €15 million for desalination units, grid upgrades and water tanks for nine islands, including €1.5 million earmarked for Astypalaia, with some permanent facilities planned by year-end.
- Scientists warn drought risk will rise toward 2049 as temperatures climb, and locals face immediate economic and social strain from curtailed farming, costly desalination and the pressure of tourist-season population surges.