Overcoming Drought, Helping Hands Extend Across the Nation

Ministry of the Interior and Safety Holds 'Drinking Water Donation' Event Until Drought Relief

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 16th that the 'Continuing Drinking Water Donation (Relay)' event, which has been underway since the 16th of last month to raise awareness of the severe drought in the southern island regions, is actively progressing, with most local governments lending a helping hand.

To support residents of Wando-gun and Tongyeong-si who are experiencing inconvenience due to water rationing, starting with Seoul on the 16th of last month, donations have been made by Ansan-si in Gyeonggi-do, Gangwon-do, the Korea National Arboretum Management Service this month, Gyeonggi-do, and Daejeon Metropolitan City, delivering a total of 77,880 bottles of bottled water and mineral water.

However, despite warm-hearted support from across the country, some southern island areas still face depletion of drinking water sources such as reservoirs, groundwater, and valley water.

Additionally, the number of people subject to water rationing has expanded from 5,073 as of October last year to 19,370 as of February this year, making it crucial for every individual nationwide to participate in the water donation event, even if the donation is small.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety is promoting the water donation event by broadcasting donation certification videos sent from various institutions on local government electronic billboards, Korea Policy Broadcasting (KTV), and social networking services (YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, etc.).

Lee Hangyeong, Director of Disaster Management at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, expressed, “We sincerely thank the local governments and citizens who have participated in the water donation event to overcome the drought, and we ask for participation in the donation event even with small amounts of water to help alleviate the drought.” He added, “The government will do its best to overcome the drought by ensuring swift support for water shortages in the southern regions through organic cooperation between the public and private sectors.”