Additional Order Issued for National Fire Service Mobilization
President Lee Jaemyung visited Gangneung in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province on the afternoon of August 30, where water supply for daily use has been restricted due to the worst drought, and ordered the immediate declaration of a disaster situation, according to the presidential office.
President Lee inspected the Obong Reservoir, a major water source for the Gangneung area, and listened to the inconveniences faced by residents. He also instructed relevant ministries to immediately declare a disaster situation and additionally ordered the issuance of a national fire service mobilization order for the drought-affected areas in Gangneung.
In response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety declared a disaster situation in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, effective from 7:00 p.m. on the same day, as part of an all-out government response. Additionally, 50 fire tankers will be dispatched to supply an additional 2,000 tons of water per day if possible.
President Lee instructed, "Mobilize all available government resources to minimize inconvenience to residents and reduce the damage caused by the drought," and urged, "Since nationwide support is needed to secure drinking water, I ask local governments with available resources to help out with a sense of community."
Over the past six months, Gangneung's rainfall has been only half the average, and the water storage rate of the Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87% of Gangneung's domestic water, hit a record low of 15.7% as of the previous day. The average storage rate is typically around 71%.
As a result, since August 20, when the storage rate fell below 25%, Gangneung has implemented restricted water supply by locking 50% of household water meters. If the storage rate drops below 15%, the plan is to lock 75% of the meters.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
