17.11.2025 20:21
As the dam water levels in Istanbul drop below 25%, Meteorology Consultant Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen announced that the city has only 50 days' worth of water left. Noting that the expected rainfall in October and November did not occur, Şen warned, "If we continue like this until the end of winter, it will be a disaster."
After the water crisis experienced in İzmir and Bursa, the situation in Istanbul is also becoming increasingly severe. The filling rate of the dams in the city has fallen below 25 percent. CNN TÜRK Meteorology Advisor Prof. Dr. Orhan Şen stated that Istanbul currently has only a 50-day water reserve.
"THE DANGER BELLS ARE ALREADY RINGING"
Pointing out that the expected rainfall in October and November did not occur, Şen said, "The danger bells are already ringing. Because the rainfall is insufficient. If we continue like this until the end of winter, a disaster will occur."
LAST WEEK'S RAINS HAD NO IMPACT
Prof. Dr. Şen noted that the recent rains did not provide a significant contribution to the water reserves, stating, "There was some rain in Istanbul last week, but it did not increase the filling rate of the dams. The city receives 3 million cubic meters of water every day, and the rains only meet this demand."
IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT LEAST 30 PERCENT
Şen emphasized that there is no expected rainfall for the next 5 to 8 days and noted that the filling rates should be at least 30 percent in November.
USABLE WATER HAS DROPPED TO 185 MILLION CUBIC METERS
Referring to the measurements made for the four major dams in Istanbul —Ömerli, Terkos, Büyükçekmece, and Sazlıdere— Şen highlighted that the amount of usable water has alarmingly decreased, stating, "Last week, the usable water was 200 million cubic meters, but this week it has dropped to 185 million cubic meters. When the groundwater is extracted, about 150 million cubic meters of water remains. When 3 million cubic meters are consumed daily, this means approximately 50 days of water for Istanbul."
"IF WE ENTER SUMMER LIKE THIS, IT WILL BE A DISASTER"
Pointing out that a serious water crisis is imminent if the rainfall remains insufficient until the end of winter, Şen warned, "If we enter summer with only 50 days of water left like this, it will be a disaster. The danger bells are ringing, and the risk continues. The water coming from Melen is currently providing some relief, but it is not enough."