Cyprus is facing the most serious water crisis in the history of meteorological observations, which have been conducted since 1901.
New NASA satellite data has clearly shown the scale of the environmental problem: the island is literally drying up. The images taken exactly one year apart — on December 18, 2024 and December 18, 2025 – show a dramatic change in the natural cover. If a year ago the vegetation was in relatively good condition after an abnormally wet period, now most of the territory looks scorched and dehydrated.
Scientists at the Cyprus Institute point out that what is happening can no longer be explained solely by statistics or temporary climatic fluctuations. The changes became visually noticeable even from Earth’s orbit. Experts call the situation a “mega-drought” affecting both agricultural lands and natural ecosystems.
The Minister of Agriculture of Cyprus, Maria Panayiotou, described 2025 as the most difficult year in terms of water resources in the last 120 years. As of December 24, 2025, the total volume of water in the country’s reservoirs has decreased to a critical 11 percent, which is approximately 33 million cubic meters. For comparison, in the same period last year, water reserves exceeded 27 percent, which underscores the scale of the current crisis.
Even the recent winter rains have not been able to improve the situation. Storm Byron, which took place in early December, had virtually no effect on the filling of reservoirs. According to experts, the dried-up soil turned out to be so dehydrated that it absorbed almost all the moisture that had fallen, preventing the water from reaching rivers and dams.
Environmentalists and climatologists warn that such phenomena may become the new norm for the Eastern Mediterranean region. Accelerated climate change, rising temperatures and reduced precipitation are increasing the burden on Cyprus’ water resources, making the issue of water supply one of the key challenges in the coming years. Authorities are already considering additional measures to desalinate water, manage resources, and modernize infrastructure to mitigate the effects of the ongoing drought.
Experts agree that the current crisis is an alarming signal that requires not temporary solutions, but a long—term strategy for adapting to new climate realities.
A source: in-cyprus.philenews.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/kipr-na-grani-vodnogo-krizisa
