Uncontrolled water leak at Mavrokolympos dam raises fears of ecological disaster

A significant and uncontrolled leak from the Mavrokolympos Dam in the Paphos region has raised alarm over potential ecological and agricultural consequences. The leak, first observed on Sunday, January 19, at 3:00 p.m., continues unabated, with an estimated 20,000 cubic meters of water per hour being lost through the dam’s evacuation tunnel.

Authorities, including the Department of Water Development (DWD) and the Ministry of Agriculture, have been unable to identify or control the source of the leak, prompting fears of a looming ecological disaster in the Akamas Peninsula.

Crops Under Threat

The Mayor of Akamas, Marinos Lambrou, expressed grave concern, stating that if the situation persists, local banana plantations in Pegeia and Kissonerga, along with other agricultural crops, could face significant damage. The Mavrokolympos Dam, which has a capacity of 2.18 million cubic meters, had stored 1.398 million cubic meters of water as of January 17, according to the DWD. The ongoing outflow jeopardizes both the water supply and agricultural sustainability in the region.

Government Response

In a statement on Platform X, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou reassured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to ensure safety. “We are working to identify the source and cause of the leak so that corrective action can be taken immediately,” she noted.

The Minister added that safety remains the top priority, with officials maintaining a presence at the site to prevent damage to property or harm to residents and passers-by. Civil engineers and police have been monitoring the dam since the leak was detected.

Potential for Long-Term Damage

The spill has prompted urgent inspections by the Water Authority and the deployment of engineers to assess the structural integrity of the dam and the extent of the problem. Early reports from engineers suggest no immediate danger to the dam’s overall stability, but the volume of water loss has heightened concerns about long-term environmental and agricultural impacts.

The artificial lake at Mavrokolympos, constructed to serve irrigation needs in the Akamas region, is a critical resource for local farmers, particularly those cultivating bananas and other crops. The water supply’s depletion at such a rapid rate could exacerbate existing challenges in an already fragile ecosystem.

Calls for Swift Action

As investigations continue, local authorities and the Water Authority are urging residents to heed safety instructions and avoid the affected area. Officials remain at the site around the clock to manage the crisis, with efforts focused on mitigating further water loss and preventing potential damage downstream.

This incident highlights the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance and proactive measures to prevent future crises. For now, the Akamas community anxiously awaits resolution, hoping to avert an ecological and agricultural catastrophe.