Inspection of Drought Response
Governor Kim Jintae: "We would appreciate a disaster state declaration"... President Lee instructs the Interior Minister, "Please take care of it"
Also orders, "Request drinking water donations and support from capable
On the afternoon of August 30, President Lee Jaemyung personally visited Gangneung City in Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, which has been suffering from a severe drought, to inspect the drought response situation. He immediately ordered the declaration of a disaster state and additionally issued a national fire mobilization order, according to the presidential office. A disaster state is declared to minimize damage when a disaster occurs or is likely to occur. Present at the site were Minister of the Interior and Safety Yoon Hojoong, Gangwon Governor Kim Jintae, Gangneung Mayor Kim Hongkyu, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power President Hwang Juho, and Assemblyman Heo Young from the Democratic Party of Korea.
President Lee first visited the Obong Reservoir, where he received a report on the progress of drought response efforts and closely examined the reservoir’s water level, the status of domestic and agricultural water supply, and the securing of alternative water sources. Gangneung is currently facing a shortage of domestic water, leading to the closure of public restrooms and the implementation of water restrictions. Elementary, middle, and high schools are considering shortened classes or temporary closures. With no rainfall forecast for the Gangneung area in the near future, the situation is serious and the damage could be prolonged.
After visiting the Obong Reservoir, at a drought countermeasure meeting held in the Gangneung City Hall situation room, Governor Kim Jintae requested President Lee to “comprehensively review the situation and declare a disaster state, as it is a matter of concern.” At the conclusion of the meeting, he reiterated, “We would appreciate it if a disaster state is declared.” In response, President Lee told Minister Yoon, “If it is possible and necessary, please proceed. Handle it accordingly,” and thanked Governor Kim for his good suggestion.
Additionally, President Lee ordered the issuance of a national fire mobilization order for drought-affected areas in Gangneung. He stated, “Nationwide support is needed to resolve the water supply crisis in Gangneung,” requesting local governments with available resources to donate and support drinking water and to actively utilize military and fire department water supply vehicles. He further instructed, “Review both short- and long-term measures comprehensively and develop effective solutions,” and directed, “The Minister of the Interior and Safety should take the lead and implement measures swiftly.”
President Lee also visited the commercial district near Gyeongpodae’s sashimi restaurant street. He asked the restaurant owners whether the water supply was adequate and if they were facing any difficulties in their business due to the drought. The restaurant owners replied, “So far, water restrictions have not affected our business, but customers say they feel sorry for coming to visit during a drought. We are worried and anxious about the future. Please resolve this well.” In response, the president said, “I have ordered the declaration of a disaster state. We will do our utmost to devise countermeasures.”
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety declared a disaster state in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, as of 7 p.m. on August 30 to launch an all-out government-wide response. In addition, 50 fire tanker trucks will be deployed to supply an additional 2,000 tons of water per day.
In the past six months, Gangneung’s rainfall has been only half of the average, and the water level at Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87% of Gangneung’s domestic water, dropped to 15.7% on August 29, the lowest on record. The average water level is typically around 71%. In response, Gangneung implemented restricted water supply from August 20, locking 50% of household water meters when the reservoir level fell below 25%. If the water level drops below 15%, the plan is to lock 75% of the meters.
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