The ongoing dry weather since last year has dramatically lowered the water levels in the dams serving as water sources for Nara Prefecture, prompting the local government to introduce a 10% water extraction restriction, effective from the 26th of this month. The Nara Wide Area Water Supply Association warns that if conditions do not improve, further restrictions on water supply may be necessary, urging residents to conserve water.

The Otaki Dam, constructed in response to severe damage caused by the Ise Bay Typhoon in 1959, towers over the Yoshino River in Kawakami Village. Recently, a reporter observed that the dry conditions have led to the exposure of once-submerged roads and bridge pillars beneath the dam, indicating the severity of the current water crisis. Local resident Masago Horitani, aged 72, expressed his concerns, noting that he has never witnessed such low water levels, and fears that the roads usually hidden by water during the peak filling season in May might remain exposed this year.

The situation not only highlights the immediate need for water conservation practices among residents but also raises broader questions about the long-term management of water resources in response to changing climate patterns. With predictions for ongoing dry spells, the local authorities may need to explore more sustainable water management solutions to ensure a secure supply for the community in the future.