Drought in Spain reveals 19th century bathhouse and village ruins

Drought in Spain has revealed the ruins of a 19th-century bathhouse and village at the Buendia Reservoir near Madrid. The water in the reservoir has dropped to just 23% capacity, exposing the ruins of Real Sitio de la Isabela, a spa town that was built in the 1800s. The village had 50 houses, with rooms for visitors and a church, but it was abandoned in the 1950s when the government built a reservoir and flooded the area.

Spain just endured its hottest and second-driest spring on record. Heavy rains in May offered a little relief, but the high temperatures are set to continue. This could lead to prolonged droughts and wildfires.

Spain's reservoirs stand at less than 50% capacity on average, compared with 67% normally. Spain's drought has also dried up the Fuente de Piedra southern wetlands, where thousands of flamingoes usually descend to hatch their chicks. This June, only a few dozen adult birds can be seen.

By 2050, droughts may affect over three-quarters of the world's population. This is a major threat to food security, water availability, and human health. We need to take action to address climate change and reduce our reliance on water-intensive agriculture.