Here in the Netherlands it has been wetter than wet in recent months, but in Greece it has hardly rained. As a result, there is too little fresh water in stock in many places. Lakes have dried up, storage tanks are empty and harvests are failing because farmers cannot spray. And because there are many tourists in many places because of the holidays, the shortage is only getting bigger.
Emergency
On well-known holiday islands such as Leros, Sifnos and parts of Crete and Kefalonia, a state of emergency has now been declared. On the island of Leros, there was so little water in stock that the Greek Navy and the Ministry of Defence sent ships with drinking water to the island to supplement the shortages.
Swimming pools
Everyone, including tourists, is now being urged to be extra frugal with water: not showering longer than necessary and not watering plants. Swimming pools may no longer be filled with tap water.
Due to the drought and heat, there are also more forest fires in Greece this year than in other years.
