South Korea Issues National Fire Mobilization for Gyeongnam Amid Severe Drought

South Korea has issued a national fire mobilization order for Gyeongnam province, deploying significant resources to combat severe water shortages caused by relentless heat and drought. The Ministry of Interior and Safety's decision activates a nationwide response to provide essential water supplies to the affected region.

Effective August 11, the order mobilizes approximately 200 water tank trucks and 400 firefighters from 16 regional fire departments. These resources will converge in Gyeongnam and are tasked with supporting water supply for agriculture and daily use until August 13. This marks the second instance of a national fire mobilization order being declared specifically for drought conditions, with a similar measure enacted for Gangneung last year following an extended drought.

The mobilization is a critical measure when a region faces a high risk of disaster or is already experiencing a disaster that overwhelms local firefighting capabilities. The system allows the Fire Chief or provincial fire department chiefs to request national-level mobilization, consolidating firefighting forces from across the country.

Currently, Gyeongnam province faces the lowest reservoir water levels in the country, averaging 33.5%, significantly below the national average of 72%. Many areas within the province have been placed under drought advisories, with three cities, Milyang, Geoje, and Haman, classified as being in a 'severe' drought stage. This situation underscores the critical need for immediate intervention to alleviate the water crisis.