Posts Expressing "Water Shortage Inconvenience" Flood Social Media
No Alternatives Other Than Water Rationing
The water storage rate of Obong Reservoir, the main water source for Gangneung City in Gangwon Province, has dropped to 17.8% due to severe drought.
According to Gangneung City, as of the morning of August 24, the water storage rate of Obong Reservoir stood at 17.8%. This is less than one-third of the average level of 69.0% and marks an all-time low.
The water storage rate of Obong Reservoir, the main water source in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, has recorded the lowest level ever, revealing the reservoir bottom completely. Photo by Yonhap News
Since August 20, the city has implemented water restrictions by shutting off 50% of household water meters. However, the lack of rainfall and an increase in weekend tourists have rendered these measures largely ineffective. Furthermore, if the storage rate falls below 15%, the city plans to intensify restrictions by shutting off 75% of water meters, leading to growing concerns among citizens about a possible water outage.
Complaints about water shortages flood social media
On social media platforms, including mom cafes and other networks, posts expressing inconvenience due to the water shortage continue to appear. One resident wrote, "I never thought the day would come when I'd have to clean the bathroom with wet wipes." Other citizens also posted, "I'm so uncomfortable that I can't even wash my hair," and "I thought if I held off on doing laundry, the situation would improve, so I planned to do two weeks' worth at once," expressing their worries about a water outage.
As news spread that education authorities were considering shortening school hours, reactions included, "If schools close, should I send my kids to relatives in other regions?" "If there really is a water outage, I'll have to evacuate to my parents' house with my children," and "Both my parents and in-laws live in Gangneung, so what should I do?"
No alternatives except water restrictions
There has also been criticism of the inadequate response from administrative agencies.
One resident pointed out, "Attracting tourists is fine, but it was obvious that a surge in vacationers would lead to water shortages. Measures should have been taken beforehand." Another said, "3.06 million people visited the beaches, and by delaying their closure, didn't the water shortage get worse? Why do only citizens have to suffer?"
Gangneung also experienced droughts in 2017 and last year. However, there are still no effective measures other than water restrictions. The Yeongokcheon underground dam, which could store and supply water, is not expected to be completed until after 2027.
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