Potosi Reappears After 25 Years
By Arnab, Gaea News NetworkSaturday, February 27, 2010
POTOSI, VENEZUELA (GaeaTimes.com)- The residents of Venezuela who used to stay in Potosi when it was like any other town are experiencing a sense of dj vu. The city was flooded intentionally two decades back to set up a hydroelectric dam in its place. After staying submerged under water for close to 25 years that city has reappeared since the region is witnessing unprecedented droughts. The residents recall the times when it used to a bustling town and the re-appearance of its colonial church and buildings has made them feel nostalgic. However, the receding water level that has hit a new low owing to the droughts can bring bad news for the residents for practical reasons.
The water level has fallen by 98 feet in the reservoir, revealing the church, a cemetery and Town square. If it goes down another 10 feet, the dam will cease electricity generation. The weather experts are of the opinion that EL Nino has resulted in lack of rain and subsequent drought in the region, which has contributed to the abysmal fall in the water level of the reservoir in Potosi. The weather pattern has changed for sure and it has affected other areas in the USA as well.
Potosi had a population of 1200 when it was like other towns. However, former Venezuela president Carlos Andres Perez decided to build the hydroelectric dam. Hence, it was evacuated and the residents were provided with accommodation elsewhere. Venezuela relies on hydroelectric power but the El Nino effect has resulted in a drought that has forced the authorities to opt for power rationing.
