Submerged structures revealed as reservoirs dry up in Spain

Drought lasting for seven months revealed the remains of several villages and archaeological sites as waters lowered in Belesar reservoir, an artificial lake in the region of Galicia, north-west Spain.

Structures visible in higher dried-up areas (by Concello De Chantada)

The reservoir was flooded in 1967 to improve water supplies. Now, as water levels dropped numerous structures re-emerged including walls, pillars, stone lintels and even lampposts. It is reported that occasionally the peaks of buildings had been visible in the drier summer months, but locals were unclear just how much was still intact until now. The waters in the reservoir dropped to 25 capacity due to the combination of the driest summer in Galicia since 1981 and a 40 per cent drop in autumn rainfall.

Overview of the structures (by Concello De Chantada)

(after Stuff & Concello De Chantada)

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