State of emergency on seven Greek islands due to severe drought

Seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea, including Astypalaia, have declared a state of emergency due to severe drought.

Climate change has led to hotter summers and unpredictable rainfall, and authorities fear that water reserves will not be sufficient to support the large number of tourists.

Astypalaia, which relies on bottled water, has experienced the second driest season since 2020, with the island's mayor stating that annual rainfall is extremely low.

Hoteliers have begun implementing water-saving measures, and the Greek government has allocated funds for desalination plants. Authorities have banned irrigation for farmers to protect the reserves.

The other islands that have declared a state of emergency are Karpathos, Leros, Patmos, Symi, Tinos, and Alonnisos.