Gyeongnam faces drought and heatwave, crops at critical juncture

Gyeongnam province is grappling with a severe drought and relentless heatwaves, creating a "double whammy" for its agricultural sector. Cumulative rainfall over the past three months has been a mere 328.1 millimeters, just 52.5% of the annual average. July alone saw only 68.0 millimeters, a mere 22.6% of its usual rainfall.

The situation has led to critically low water levels in agricultural reservoirs across the province. As of August 4, the average water storage rate for Gyeongnam's 569 reservoirs stood at a mere 39.1%, the lowest among all major cities and provinces in South Korea. Over half of these reservoirs, 329 in total, are below 50% capacity. In some areas like Gimhae, Miryang, Hadong, Changwon, and Uiryeong, levels are below 33.4%, prompting drought 'watch' alerts in eight cities and counties.

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If the drought and heatwaves continue for more than ten days, the tributaries of the Nakdong River will begin to dry up, and in this case, we will have to receive large-scale support from other regions with water trucks to supply agricultural water. However, since all regions, including Gyeongnam, are suffering from drought damage, there are clear limitations to water truck support.

Compounding the crisis, the Korea Meteorological Administration forecasts dry and hot weather to persist for at least another ten days, with daytime temperatures ranging from 32 to 35 degrees Celsius. This prolonged period without significant rainfall is expected to further deplete water sources, including tributaries of the Nakdong River. Officials warn that if the drought continues, the province might have to prioritize drinking water over agricultural needs, potentially requiring large-scale water support from other regions, which are also experiencing drought.

The extreme heat has already taken a toll, with 189 cases of heat-related illnesses reported and three fatalities. Livestock losses are also mounting, with over 38,000 animals, including chickens, pigs, and ducks, having perished. Despite the grim outlook, some residents are holding rain rituals, hoping for relief, even looking to distant typhoons for a potential change in weather patterns.

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In the worst-case scenario, we may have to give up supplying agricultural water to protect drinking water and domestic water.