After the earthquake, drought: Adıyaman’s water woes intensify
Water levels in Adıyaman’s dams have fallen to just 40 percent capacity. Rising temperatures and increased evaporation underscore the persistent drought in the region, while potential water shortages could affect earthquake survivors in temporary shelters.
10.03.2025
Adıyaman, one of the cities in Eastern Turkey severely affected by the 2023 earthquake, now faces an escalating drought that compounds its post-disaster challenges. While residents strive to repair earthquake damage, both the city center and its surrounding areas contend with a persistent drought that has troubled the region for years. This winter’s scant rainfall has reduced the filling rate of Çamgazi Dam —Adıyaman’s primary water source located 12 kilometers from the center— from 70–80 percent to just 40 percent. Among the hardest hit are earthquake survivors still residing in temporary shelters.
Historically, Adıyaman has struggled with water scarcity and recurrent drought. Even before the earthquake, Adıyaman University and the Municipality held a comprehensive water workshop on March 22, 2022, marking World Water Day to address these issues. Academics, engineers, and other experts shared their research and proposed strategies for improving water conservation and management, as climate change has been steadily depleting the region’s resources. However, following the earthquake, several of these experts were reassigned to other cities, further complicating matters and raising concerns that water scarcity will reemerge after another dry with low precipitation.
Associate Professor Musa Eşit, who remained at Adıyaman University after the earthquake, continues his work in the Department of Civil Engineering, teaching hydraulics. At the 2022 workshop, he delivered a lecture titled “The Effects of Climate Change on the Climate Parameters of Adıyaman Province.” Drawing on scientific data, Eşit noted that both annual average temperatures and evaporation rates in Adıyaman have risen — a trend he expects to persist. He explained, “The significant decrease in precipitation, combined with rising temperatures and evaporation, places growing pressure on our water resources and increases the risk of drought. The marked rise in evaporation data suggests that these conditions may worsen in the future.”
Eşit attributes the decline in both precipitation and soil moisture to evaporation driven by climate change – a reflection of a broader global trend. He stresses the need to manage existing water resources, such as dams, ponds, and groundwater, in a sustainable manner. Moreover, he warns that the long-term impacts of drought extend well beyond water shortages, potentially leading to desertification, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, and an increased incidence of forest fires.
Drought is turning the earth barren
Presentations at the 2022 Water Workshop underscored the inefficient and often uninformed use of water in Adıyaman’s agricultural regions. Ahmet Çelik of Adıyaman University’s Faculty of Agriculture observed that nearly 90 percent of the province’s land is vulnerable to erosion due to its predominantly sloping terrain, and he lamented that many once-fertile fields have deteriorated because of poor urban planning. Against a backdrop of water scarcity, declining soil quality, and accelerated desertification, Çelik advised prioritizing crop varieties that require minimal water and fertilizer. He further stressed the need for enhanced communication and dialogue among all stakeholders involved in water management.
Local farmers report that this year’s insufficient rainfall has gravely impacted both irrigated and dryland agriculture. Ramazan Gürbüz, a 59-year-old farmer from Akpınar, located 60 kilometers from the city center, described the drought as unprecedented. “Even though we are surrounded by water, we cannot access it,” he explained, referring to the Atatürk Dam reservoir encircling the province’s western region. “We planted our crops on October 25th, but we have never experienced such aridity. The rains have been insufficient, leaving us in a dire situation as we depend on dry farming,” Gürbüz added, noting that soaring electricity and diesel costs further hinder irrigation. In the Akpınar region, where no natural water sources flow freely, he concluded, “We simply do not know what to do.”
Ramazan Gürbüz, a 59-year-old farmer from Akpınar, Adıyaman, reports that the prolonged drought has decimated the crops in his field. Photo: Ömer Karakuş
Agricultural engineer Sıddık Şahin warned that drought will severely undermine agricultural production. “The land is growing ever more barren. Without sufficient water, once-dominant crops can no longer be cultivated, and people are abandoning their villages,” he explained. Emphasizing the urgent need for efficient water resource management—a topic broached at the pre-earthquake workshop— Şahin remarked, “No one can claim immunity from global warming. Even Adıyaman’s dams are now affected, with water levels in lakes, rivers, streams, and reservoirs steadily declining. In this context, it is imperative to implement a range of measures to secure our water needs and enhance usage efficiency.”
“WHEN DISASTERS LIKE DROUGHT AND AN EARTHQUAKE COINCIDE, THE RESULTING PROBLEMS BECOME EVEN MORE COMPLEX.”
Musa Eşit highlighted the critical importance of selecting drought-resistant crop varieties, a key takeaway from the workshop. Yet his recommendations extend further: he stressed that reducing water losses, refining irrigation techniques, and ensuring efficient water use are essential first steps. Additionally, he advocated for the adoption of rainwater harvesting to collect and utilize precipitation for irrigation and other purposes.
Eşit further underscored the necessity of scientifically informed soil management. “Enhancing soils’ water-holding capacity requires improved tillage techniques, increased organic matter, and robust erosion control,” he explained. He also called for comprehensive awareness and training programs aimed at farmers, the public, and all relevant stakeholders, focusing on water conservation, efficient usage, and drought mitigation. Finally, he urged the adoption of national policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency — measures essential to mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
Water scarcity “may heighten the risk of epidemic outbreaks in temporary shelters”
In Adıyaman, the primary focus remains on constructing quality housing for earthquake survivors, with thousands still residing in temporary shelters. However, water scarcity poses a significant threat, particularly for those living in such conditions. As summer approaches, these vulnerable communities may struggle to secure sufficient water, potentially leading to deteriorating hygiene and an increased risk of epidemic outbreaks. Eşit warns that difficulties in accessing water are likely to affect the elderly, children, and individuals with disabilities disproportionately.
Furthermore, rising food prices due to the drought could exacerbate psychological distress among survivors, fostering heightened stress, anxiety, and hopelessness. “Harsh living conditions can negatively impact mental health and elevate the risk of disorders such as post-traumatic stress,” Eşit explains. He underscores the urgent need to address the drought and its cascading effects in light of Adıyaman’s unique post-earthquake challenges. “When disasters like drought and an earthquake coincide, the resulting problems become even more complex. It is therefore crucial to factor in drought risks when planning temporary housing and to implement robust measures accordingly.”
The marked decline in water levels in Adıyaman’s dams, coupled with intensifying drought conditions, is not only a local and regional concern but also a stark reminder for stakeholders across Turkey of the pressing need to tackle climate change. Earthquake victims, already burdened by profound loss and disruption, are particularly vulnerable to the repercussions of unsustainable water management policies, underscoring the imperative to address the drought with utmost urgency.
On February 6, 2023, a devastating earthquake resulted in the loss of over 8,000 lives and the destruction of more than 30,000 buildings in Adıyaman province alone. According to official sources, approximately 70,000 individuals are currently residing in temporary shelters due to the disaster.
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