600 large craters opened in central Turkey

In the drought-affected areas of Konya, Turkey, 600 huge sinkholes have opened up, almost double the number of craters last year — 350. The situation with the dry period this year is getting worse, according to The Watchers.

The underground sinkholes created by the drought do not support the weight of the topsoil, resulting in pits. Farmers are concerned about the current situation, as they are forced to look for other means to water their fields. More expensive ways to collect water will reduce their income. However, the use of groundwater can exacerbate the problem.

The government should make more efforts to combat the severe drought, experts say. Farmers also called on the authorities to create underground systems that redirect water to the plains.