Khaberni - The Sea of Galilee witnessed the emergence of a new island approximately 160 meters long, due to a severe drop in water levels that reached the lower red line today, the lowest level recorded for the lake in years. This sharp decrease reflects an exceptional water shortage situation that the lake is suffering from, which serves as a vital source of fresh water in the area.
It is clearly noticeable that the beach area has expanded and new land has formed within just one year, reflecting the rapid impact of the water level drop on the surrounding terrain. A comparison between September of last year and this current September shows a significant difference in the exposed land areas, indicating a noticeable environmental change due to reduced rainfall and higher temperatures during the summer season.
Causes of the decrease:
Seasonal rainfall shortage: The area experienced a weak rainy season, which led to a decrease in water input to the lake.
Rising temperatures: Continuous heat waves during the summer increased the evaporation rate from the lake surface, contributing to the water level decrease.
Human consumption: The increasing use of water for agricultural and industrial purposes also impacted the lake level, increasing the severity of the retreat.
Environmental and economic impacts:
Decreasing water levels threaten the marine ecosystem, as species of fish and aquatic plants are affected by the sharp drop in the level.
The emergence of new beaches and islands may lead to a change in tourism activity, either positively in terms of viewing the new terrains, or negatively due to difficulty accessing the usual water areas.
The sharp decrease underscores the need for sustainable water resource management, especially under the changing climatic conditions and increasing water demand in the area.
This sharp change in the water level of the Sea of Galilee shows the fragility of the water resources in the area and underlines the urgent need to monitor the situation and take preventive measures to preserve the sustainability of the lake and its natural surroundings.
