The remains of a long-submerged Greek village have reappeared after record-high temperatures caused significant water loss in a major reservoir. The village of Kallio was abandoned over 40 years ago when its residents were displaced to make room for the Mornos dam, which supplies water to Athens. Due to a recent drought, water levels in the reservoir dropped drastically, exposing remnants of homes and a school.
According to a former resident, this is only the second time since Kallio was evacuated that it has been visible—the first being during a similar drought in the 1990s. “You can see the remains of my father-in-law’s house… and my cousins’ house next to it,” shared Yorgos Iosifidis, a 60-year-old who once lived in the village. Kallio originally consisted of around 80 homes, a church, and a school.
Mr. Iosifidis added that if rain doesn’t come soon, the situation could worsen further. Greece has experienced its hottest June and July on record, with the state water authority, EYDAP, reporting a 30% drop in water levels at the Mornos dam. Other reservoirs serving the Attica region, which includes Athens, have also seen significant declines. Authorities have urged the 3.7 million residents in the region to conserve water, and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the need for action, stating, “We can’t afford to waste water at a time when we know we will have less.”
The Greek government is now exploring various measures to manage the country’s dwindling water supply. Experts warn that the prolonged heatwaves and drought conditions could become more frequent as climate change intensifies, putting additional strain on water resources in southern Europe. Local authorities have been closely monitoring the situation and are urging residents to be mindful of their water usage in daily activities.
Water restrictions may be enforced if conditions do not improve, with potential rationing and limitations on non-essential uses like irrigation or recreational activities. Agriculture, one of Greece’s key industries, has already been hit hard by the water shortages, with farmers reporting difficulties in keeping crops irrigated.
Environmental organizations are also calling for more sustainable water management strategies, emphasizing the need for infrastructure improvements, rainwater harvesting, and increased efforts to raise public awareness about water conservation. These groups stress that protecting water resources is not only a matter of immediate necessity but also crucial for the country’s long-term resilience in the face of escalating climate challenges.
Meanwhile, many former residents of Kallio are reminiscing about their lost village as its ruins once again come to light. For some, the sight of their old homes has stirred bittersweet memories, as they reflect on the lives they were forced to leave behind when the village was submerged decades ago. However, the reappearance of Kallio also serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need to address Greece’s current water crisis before it worsens.
