Hundreds of sinkholes have appeared in central agricultural regions of Turkey, especially in Karapinar district of Konya province. This is related to drought and decreasing groundwater levels.
The sinkholes mostly appear on fields where corn, wheat, and sugar beet are grown. In mountainous areas, old sinkholes have almost dried up.
According to Fetullah Arik, a geology professor at Konya Technical University, the number of sinkholes has increased rapidly in recent years and is now approaching 700. Groundwater is dropping 4–5 meters per year, which poses a serious risk to farmers.
Local farmers report digging more wells, and unlicensed wells make the problem worse. New sinkholes may threaten people’s lives and property, so precautionary measures are being taken in the region.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
Users of Меҳмон are not allowed to comment this publication.
