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THREAD: Following the 2014 invasion of Crimea by Russian forces, Ukraine cut off the water flowing into the North Crimean Canal, which had previously supplied 85% of the region's drinking water.
Now, six years later, this siege is starting to bite. (1/9)
Now, six years later, this siege is starting to bite. (1/9)
Russia never managed to make up for this shortfall in water supply, and agricultural productivity declined substantially between 2014-2020.
However, now, a record drought is crippling the region, with the lowest rainfall recorded in 150 years. (2/9) https://ria.ru/20200603/1572413515.html
However, now, a record drought is crippling the region, with the lowest rainfall recorded in 150 years. (2/9) https://ria.ru/20200603/1572413515.html
The region now is experiencing crippling water shortages with many regions only having water for 6 hours a day. Local authorities are reportedly considering a "worst-case scenario".
This would involve the total exhaustion of water in local dams. (3/9)
This would involve the total exhaustion of water in local dams. (3/9)
But how close is this?
Let's take a look at Sentinel-2 imagery comparing August 2019, with January 2021.
Chornorichynske Reservoir - near Sevastapol. (4/9)
Let's take a look at Sentinel-2 imagery comparing August 2019, with January 2021.
Chornorichynske Reservoir - near Sevastapol. (4/9)
Zahirske Reservoir between Sevastapol and Simferopol. (5/9)
Simferopolske Reservoir - the main water supply for the capital of Crimea. (6/9)
Russia is attempting to use cloud seeding, groundwater wells and planned desalination plants, to end the crisis, however many believe they will either be insufficient to make up for the shortfall or not be ready in time. (7/9)
Ukraine for its part has vowed not to re-open the canal until Crimea is returned to its control.
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground worsens. (8/9) http://euromaidanpress.com/2020/12/17/water-severely-rationed-in-crimean-cities-after-all-attempts-to-solve-crisis-fail/
Meanwhile, the situation on the ground worsens. (8/9) http://euromaidanpress.com/2020/12/17/water-severely-rationed-in-crimean-cities-after-all-attempts-to-solve-crisis-fail/
This could lead to Russia considering a military option to capturing the length of the North Crimean Canal, but such an action would be hugely escalatory and would likely cost far more than any potential gains.
With this in mind, the region's future is bleak. (9/9)
With this in mind, the region's future is bleak. (9/9)
