NEWSru IsraelWorld12:41

Sea of Galilee Water Levels Hit 100-Year Low

Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba

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Israel's Sea of Galilee has reached its lowest water volume in 100 years, with only 208 million cubic meters entering over the last two rainy seasons. While national rainfall was near average, the Sea of Galilee basin received only 90% of its expected water. Water levels fluctuated throughout the year, reaching a low of 213.45 meters below sea level in December and a high of 212.51 meters below sea level in May. Other water sources like the Jordan River and Dan spring also showed reduced flow compared to long-term averages.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

The Sea of Galilee's water volume has reached its lowest point in 100 years.
Approximately 208 million cubic meters of water entered the Sea of Galilee over the past two rainy seasons.
Rainfall in the Sea of Galilee basin was 90% of the long-term average last season.
The water level in the Sea of Galilee dropped to 213.45 meters below sea level in December.
Jordan River flow was 80% of the long-term norm in late April.
The Dead Sea level dropped by 18 centimeters this past rainy season.

Sea of Galilee Water Levels Hit 100-Year Low — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Israel's Water Resources Administration has reported that the total volume of water entering the Sea of Galilee over the past two rainy seasons is approximately 208 million cubic meters, marking the lowest figure recorded in 100 years of observations. According to a report by Kan news service on October 13, rainfall across the country last season was about 95% of the long-term average, but the Sea of Galilee basin received only 90% of its expected water.

The water level in the Sea of Galilee began the hydrological year at 213.08 meters below sea level. By mid-December, it dropped to a seasonal low of 213.45 meters below sea level. Subsequently, it rose by 94 centimeters, reaching a seasonal high of 212.51 meters below sea level by early May.

In late April, water flow in the Jordan River at the Gesher Ha'Pik bridge measurement station was 11.4 cubic meters per second, about 80% of the long-term norm for that time of year. At the Dan spring, the flow was 7.6 cubic meters per second, approximately 94% of the norm.

Rainfall in the coastal basin and the Yarkon River basin reached about 100% of the average annual norm, while Western Galilee received around 85%. The Dead Sea level decreased by 18 centimeters from the start of the rainy season to the end of April, a significant reduction compared to the 63-centimeter drop during the same period last year.