Record-breaking temperatures and prolonged drought conditions in Greece have led to the resurfacing of the sunken village of Kallio from Athens' main reservoir for the first time in over three decades.

The Mornos reservoir, which supplies water to nearly half of Greece's population, has seen its surface area shrink significantly, dropping from approximately 16.8 square kilometers in August 2022 to just 12 square kilometers in 2023.

In early July, the water utility company Eydap reported a 30% decline in water levels in the Mornos reservoir compared to the previous year, highlighting the severity of the ongoing drought.

As local wells dry up, neighboring villages not reliant on the lake are experiencing water shortages, exacerbating the crisis and increasing the risk of wildfires due to drier conditions.

Greece is currently facing its worst drought in over 30 years, severely impacting water availability in the capital, Athens, and surrounding regions.

Authorities have urged the approximately 3.7 million residents of the Attica region to conserve water amidst these alarming drought conditions.

Apostolos Gerodimos, head of Kallio's community, described the situation as 'nightmarish,' warning that it will worsen if winter rainfall does not occur.

The decline in water levels has revealed the ruins of around 80 buildings, including a church and a primary school, which were submerged when the reservoir was created.

Climate change is exacerbating Greece's arid conditions, leading to extreme weather events and raising concerns about future water supply challenges.

In response to the prolonged drought, Eydap is planning to invest €750 million in improved water management strategies to address the crisis.

The lake's current water level is at its lowest point in decades, a consequence of a winter with little snow and a summer marked by extreme heat and drought.

Former resident Yorgos Iosifidis expressed the emotional impact of witnessing the remains of his family’s homes as the village of Kallio re-emerges.