Greek islands declare water‑scarcity emergencies as summer drought intensifies

Seven Greek islands – Karpathos, Astypalaia, Central Corfu, Symi, Patmos, Leros and Meganisi – have been placed in a state of emergency because of acute water shortages. The drought follows years of low rainfall, heightened tourism demand and the effects of climate change, which together have strained groundwater and distribution networks.

The government has launched a multi‑level plan that bypasses usual bureaucratic steps to secure water storage, limit consumption and accelerate repairs. Experts warn that without improved water‑resource management, reservoirs could be nearly empty by September, jeopardising the summer tourist season and local residents.

Authorities stress that the emergency designation enables faster allocation of funds and resources, aiming to prevent water cuts and mitigate the long‑term risk of drought becoming a new normal for the islands.