One of the largest lakes in Greece, Lake Koronia, is experiencing a decrease in size due to a prolonged drought and record-breaking temperatures during the summer. This has resulted in cracked earth, dead fish, and a persistent foul smell lingering in the area.
Previously known for fishermen catching trout and tench, the lake now sees youths riding motorbikes in the dusty terrain.
Locals have observed the 42-square-kilometer (16-square-mile) lake near Thessaloniki receding daily, a trend also seen in three other important natural lakes in Greece’s Central Macedonian region.
“The odor from the lake is becoming increasingly unpleasant. Without sufficient snow and rain, the situation will deteriorate further next year,” expressed community leader Kostas Hadzivoulgaridis.
“Immediate action is necessary to safeguard the lake,” the 50-year-old urged.
Water levels in the nearby lakes of Doirani, Volvi, and Pikrolimni are also at their lowest in a decade according to data from the Greek Biotope Wetland Centre.
Recent years have seen very low rainfall in the area, coupled with the highest temperatures recorded in the past decade, as noted by local hydrologist Irini Varsami.
Aside from evaporation, the lake is also losing water due to the rising irrigation requirements of farmers in the surrounding plains, an important food-producing region in the country.
‘We hope for rain’
Although the shores appear barren, migratory pink flamingos can be spotted foraging in the diminishing water further in.
Anthi Vafiadou from the Greek state environmental protection agency pointed out that it is too early to draw conclusions on the impact of the drought on the lake’s biodiversity.
“The winter season will provide more insight. We are hopeful for increased rainfall,” she stated.
The Biotope Wetland Centre confirms that climate change is exerting immense pressure on the lakes.
Greece experienced its warmest winter and summer on record since data collection began in 1960, according to the national observatory.
The environment ministry recently revealed a multi-billion-euro initiative to enhance water supply and curb excessive water loss due to inadequate management.
‘Completely disappeared’
A short drive north presents a stark image of what the future could look like.
Pikrolimni, also known as the “Bitter Lake,” is the sole salt lake in mainland Greece.
However, Pikrolimni no longer resembles a lake. Only the patterns left by the evaporated water during the prolonged drought remain.
Hotels and a mud spa around the lake have been abandoned.
Argyris Vergis, an 80-year-old local, lamented, “This summer marks the first time the lake has reached such a dire state. With no rainfall, the water has completely vanished, and the lake has dried up entirely.”
“This area used to attract tourists, but now you can see motorcyclists racing on the lake in videos online. It’s a tragic sight,” the retired bank worker added.
