Satellite images (shocking) show the loss of half of the water reservoir of Habbaniyah Lake

2023-05-15

The Planning and Databases Department at the Upper Euphrates Basin Developing Centre announced the results of its continuous follow-up and monitoring of water resources, dam and reservoir projects within the geographical area of the centre through advanced technology using space remote sensing and satellite images.

The department announced a series of satellite images that monitor changes in the water storage in Habbaniyah Lake after appeals from citizens living around the lake basin and the problem of water shortage worsening in it. ESA satellite images taken in April and May 2023 showed that the lake had lost half of its surface area compared to April and May 2020 and 2021.

Satellite images also showed that compared to the years 2017 to 2023, the water situation in the lake is worse even than the summer seasons (August and September), which foreshadows a greater problem in the coming summer season. The department explained that the evaporation rates from the lake according to the available data and measurements are (2020) mm per year and in a simple process, the volume of water lost and lost annually due to evaporation is (860.5) million cubic meters, or up to 26% of the maximum storage of the lake, and to clarify the importance of this figure, the annual need of Anbar province for all agricultural, industrial and drinking water requirements may be less than this number.

Evaporation is one of the biggest problems facing dam and reservoir projects in Iraq, which requires directing researchers and specialists from various disciplines to study this problem and find innovative and qualitative solutions to address it and reduce its significant effects, which is what the University of Anbar is working on through its specialized research centres.

To view the satellite images of Habbaniyah Lake during the season 2022/2023.....Click here

To view the satellite images of Habbaniyah Lake during the summer 2017-2022.....Click here

To view the satellite images of Habbaniyah Lake and the comparison 2017-2023.....Click here

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