A Warning of Danger in Alanya: The Sea Receded, a Sinkhole Formed!
The Impact of Climate Change: Crisis Deepens Due to Decline in Water Resources.
Due to illegal drilling, sinkholes that frequently occur in Konya have started to appear in Alanya. The frequent drilling in the coastal areas has caused the sea water to recede more than expected.
Global warming, along with decreasing rainfall, has led to ecological imbalances, an example of which occurred in Alanya. As rainfall decreased and illegal wells were drilled, water resources began to deteriorate. According to Alanya Postası Newspaper, two sinkholes have been detected in Alanya, mainly due to irresponsible drilling. The sinkholes in the western part of the district are a sign of potential danger in the future. With the climate crisis, sea water in Alanya receded more than anticipated. Geophysicist Erman Kaptanoğlu stated, "We are starting to feel the effects of global climate change."
ILLEGAL DRILLINGS ARE IMPACTING
“The decrease in rainfall, which is one of the results of global climate change, and the reduction in underground water resources have started to affect Alanya, like the rest of the country, in recent years,” said Kaptanoğlu. "Global climate change is a process that develops over a long period, but we have already started feeling its effects."
One of the main causes of the reduction in underground water resources is illegal drilling. According to reports, 45 million cubic meters of water are drawn annually from illegal wells within Antalya's borders.
The amount of water that can be extracted from a basin is generally fixed, but with illegal water drilling, this amount reaches much higher levels, causing a decrease in underground water levels. Over the last 3-4 years, the water level in Alanya has dropped between 5 to 15 meters. Farmers have been complaining about their water supply being cut off. It is essential to use water without polluting or depleting it," he added.
"DESALINATION SYSTEMS COULD BE USED"
Instead of drilling individual wells or illegal water extraction on every plot, Kaptanoğlu suggested, "A more extensive area should be designated, and a single well should be drilled for shared use." He also mentioned, "Surface waters could be used to create artificial ponds and distribute water to fields. In countries facing drought, desalination systems could be implemented to turn seawater into freshwater. If we don't take necessary precautions, we may face a water and food crisis in the future."
"ILLEGAL DRILLING CAUSES AN INCREASE IN SINKHOLES"
Kaptanoğlu pointed out that he encountered two sinkholes in Alanya and said, "Another effect of illegal drilling is the increase in sinkholes. Sinkholes are smooth, round geological formations that occur when underground water is drawn away, creating empty spaces in the limestone and causing the surface to collapse.
When underground water is drawn, there is no longer any upward force to keep the ceiling of the underground cave in place, which causes it to collapse. Care should be taken when irrigating with underground water, especially in environments with limestone or carbonate-rich rocks."
TWO SINKHOLES DETECTED IN ALANYA
Kaptanoğlu concluded by stating, "The northern part of Alanya, including the Taurus Mountains, is largely made of limestone containing cavities. Illegal drilling here and uncontrolled water use can trigger the formation of more sinkholes. So far, I have encountered two small sinkholes in Alanya, but to prevent the number from increasing, regular checks by the State Hydraulic Works (DSI) on illegal wells are crucial."
