Tunca River Dries Up, Revealing Sandbanks and Trash Amid Heatwave and Bulgarian Water Retention

Edirne, a region crucial for Turkey's sunflower, rice, and wheat production, is facing severe water shortages as the Tunca River's flow has drastically decreased. High temperatures and upstream water retention by Bulgaria have led to significant drying in parts of the river.

Measurements from the State Hydraulic Works 11th Regional Directorate show the river's discharge has plummeted from 20 cubic meters per second at the beginning of June to as low as 4 cubic meters per second. This dramatic reduction has exposed sandbanks in several sections of the riverbed.

Beyond the environmental impact, the visible sandbanks have also brought to light the extent of pollution, with trash accumulating in the river becoming apparent. The diminished water levels pose a significant threat to the agricultural output of the Edirne region, jeopardizing a vital source of national production.