Van residents are worried! The lake has receded, shortening the distance between the two neighborhoods.

Lake Van, Türkiye's largest lake and the world's largest soda lake, has receded. The 4-kilometer distance between two neighborhoods in the Erciş district has shrunk to just 1 kilometer by land. Locals have begun walking the distance.

THE PUBLIC IS CONCERNED

The current state of the lake, which is also crucial for diving tourism, is worrying locals. Yücel Çalışır, the village headman of Gölağzı neighborhood, stated that the area where the retreat occurred was a flamingo roosting ground until five years ago, and that fishing was done there 30 years ago.

Çalışır stated that the borders between the two neighborhoods have merged and said:

"Residents of the two neighborhoods were previously able to visit each other by boat or by road. When the lake receded, the distance became shorter. Now we can walk. The lake's retreat worries us."