Inspection of Drought Response Measures
"Request for Drinking Water Donations and Support from Capable Local Governments"
Comprehensive Review of Short- and Long-term Measures Urged for Effective Solutions
President Lee Jaemyung personally visited Gangneung City in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province on the afternoon of August 30 to inspect the drought response situation and ordered the immediate declaration of a disaster state, according to the presidential office. The site was attended by the Minister of the Interior and Safety, the Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, the Mayor of Gangneung, the Chief of the Gangwon Fire Headquarters, the Head of the Gangwon Regional Headquarters of the Korea Rural Community Corporation, and the CEO of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power.
President Lee first visited the Obong Reservoir to receive a report on the progress of drought response and closely checked the reservoir's water level, the status of water supply for daily life and agriculture, and the securing of alternative water sources. Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eunsu explained, "Due to the shortage of water for daily use, public restrooms have been closed and water rationing has begun. Shortened class hours or school closures are needed at elementary, middle, and high schools." She added, "There is no forecast of rainfall in the Gangneung area for the time being, making this a serious situation that could lead to prolonged damage."
At the drought countermeasure meeting held in the Gangneung City Hall situation room, President Lee first instructed Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojoong to declare a disaster state in Gangneung. President Lee also stated, "To resolve the water supply crisis in Gangneung, nationwide support is necessary," and requested that local governments with available resources donate and support drinking water, while also urging the active use of military and fire department water tankers. In addition, he ordered, "Review both short- and long-term measures comprehensively and come up with effective solutions," and directed, "The Minister of the Interior and Safety should take the lead in swiftly implementing countermeasures."
President Lee also visited the commercial district near Gyeongpodae's sashimi restaurant street. He asked the restaurant owners whether water supply was sufficient and if they were facing any difficulties in running their businesses due to the drought. The owners replied, "So far, water rationing has not affected our business, but customers say they feel sorry to visit during the drought. We are worried and anxious about the future. Please resolve this well." The President responded, "I have ordered the declaration of a disaster state. We will do our utmost to establish countermeasures."
To mobilize a pan-government response, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety declared a disaster state in the Gangneung area of Gangwon Province at 7 p.m. on August 30. In addition, 50 fire tanker trucks will be deployed to provide an additional supply of approximately 2,000 tons of water per day.
Over the past six months, Gangneung's precipitation has remained at only half of the average level, and the water level of the Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87% of Gangneung's domestic water, hit an all-time low of 15.7% on the previous day. The average water level is around 71%. As a result, since August 20, when the reservoir's water level fell below 25%, Gangneung has implemented water rationing by locking 50% of household water meters. If the water level drops below 15%, 75% of the meters will be locked.
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