Tourist ban enforced in Capri.
Stranded tourists flock to Capri's harbors as the island grapples with an unexpected water crisis. The water distribution line malfunction has left the picturesque Mediterranean hotspot without its water supply, prompting a sudden halt on tourist arrivals.
Since early Saturday morning, tourists have been barred from landing on Capri. The cause: A glitch in the water distribution line, responsible for delivering water from the mainland to Capri, has led to a complete shutdown. As of now, only local residents are permitted to enter, as mandated by the island's mayor. With no reserves to cater to the needs of both residents and tourists, the island is in dire straits.
Most parts of the island in the Gulf of Naples still have water, thanks to local water tanks. However, these reserves are at risk of depleting without the supply from the mainland, a situation worsened by daily influxes of thousands of tourists, as per the mayor's decree. In certain isolated regions in the western parts of Capri, the water supply has already ceased to flow.
The abrupt stoppage of tourist arrivals has instantly altered the scene at mainland harbors. In line with the mayor's decree, ferry ticket sales have been suspended, according to news agency Ansa. Ships that had set sail for Capri were ordered to turn back. Lengthy lines have formed at ticket counters in Naples and Sorrento.
The problem began with a fault in the main water line in Castellammare di Stabia, a municipality in the Italian region of Campania, on Thursday. This line supplies water to both Capri and the Sorrento peninsula. Though repair work was reportedly completed, unforeseen technical issues have arisen, resulting in the ongoing water cutoff, as disclosed by the water supplier, Gori. The team is currently working to resolve the problems and restore the water supply.
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Despite the tourist ban in Capri, international tourists show interest in visiting once the water crisis is resolved. The tourism industry in Italy is closely monitoring the situation, as this incident could impact future tourist arrivals.
