Increased Flow in Tunca River of Edirne, Thanks to Recent Rainfall

In Edirne which is the meeting point of rivers, issues related to these rivers are far from being resolved. While the situation regarding the Maritsa River seems to be getting better, the Tunca River has generally been a source of concern. However, thanks to recent rainfall, there has been a significant increase in the river’s flow.

Of course, this does not mean that the problem of low water flow in the Tunca River has been completely solved. It is well known that Tunca River which is one of the city’s important water sources, nearly dried up last year, due to drought. Today fortunately, the rainfall that was effective during the autumn and winter months has contributed to the rise in the river’s flow again.

It has been reported that the flow of the Tunca River has increased four times compared to the same period last year, reaching 8 cubic meters per second. This data was provided by the State Hydraulic Works (DSI) 11th Regional Directorate. Last year, due to high temperatures and low rainfall, sandbars had formed in the riverbed, and in some areas, the flow of water had almost came to a halt.

Why Does the Flow of Tunca River Decrease?

It is stated that there are two main reasons for the reduction in the river’s flow: “One is the fluctuations in climate, leading to dry and wet periods. From 2005 to 2018, there were significant floods in the Tunca River due to a wet period. However, after entering a dry period, a decrease in flow was observed.”

Another reason is that the river’s upper basin is in Bulgaria, and its water is used for drinking, agriculture, and electricity generation.

Recent Increase in Flow in Tunca River

With the recent rains, the water level in the river has risen, and the debris and sandbars in its bed have disappeared. This marks the beginning of Tunca River regaining its former vitality, which irrigates thousands of acres of agricultural land.

Officials have noted that the increase in water levels is a positive development for agricultural irrigation and added that, should the rains continue, the flow could rise even further.