Spain: in Catalonia, a submerged village resurfaces due to drought


Ophélie Artaud with AFP / Photo credit: Urbanandsport / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP

This is an unexpected effect of the drought. In Catalonia, a ruined village located in the Sau reservoir near Barcelona has resurfaced. The cause: the historically low water level. In addition to the houses of the ancient village of San Romà de Sau, a church dating from the 11th century is fully visible. When the reservoir level is highest, only the tip of the church tower is visible. Images from local media show the area completely drained, and a castle resurfacing.

Catalonia has been facing a historic drought for several months. On Thursday, the Barcelona region was placed in a state of “emergency” and will face new restrictions. According to the Spanish media El Confidentialwhile the Sau reservoir must supply water to the 3.3 million inhabitants of the Barcelona metropolis, it is currently filled to only 4% of its capacity.

“Worst drought in a century”

“Catalonia is suffering from its worst drought in a century,” reaffirmed Pere Aragonès, the president of the Catalan regional government, recalling that the lack of precipitation in the region had lasted for more than three years. Residents of 202 municipalities will be affected by restrictions: for example, it will be prohibited to fill swimming pools, even for a simple top-up, to water green spaces or to wash vehicles.

On the other hand, this entry into the first phase of the state of “emergency”, which includes three, will result in significant restrictions for agriculture, which will have to reduce its water consumption by 80% (compared to 40% so far), and for industry, which will have to restrict it by 25% (instead of 15%).

In northern Spain, the current precipitation deficit is unprecedented since records began in 1916.





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