Drought on Cyprus

This item appears on page 21 of the August 2008 issue.

Four years of minimal rain has prompted the government of Cyprus on the southern, Greek-supported part of the divided island to contract with Greece to send tanker ships of drinking water. The ships dock near Limassol and pump the water through an undersea pipeline to the island.

Even with two tankers daily, the region will have only half the normal water supply, which is at its lowest level since 1908. Travelers should be aware of possible water cuts and conservation measures at hotels and tourist areas.