South Korea's Gyeongnam faces critical agricultural drought as reservoirs near empty

A prolonged drought and heatwave are pushing Gyeongnam province in South Korea to the brink of a severe agricultural water crisis. Reservoir levels across the province are projected to fall below 30% by mid-August, a critical threshold that threatens the region's rice cultivation and overall agricultural output.

The current average water level in Gyeongnam's 569 agricultural reservoirs stands at a precarious 37.1%, the lowest among all provincial-level regions nationwide. This figure has plummeted rapidly, dropping from 49.6% in late July to 39.2% by early August, and continuing its sharp decline. If current conditions persist, levels could dip into the 20% range by mid-month.

Several areas within Gyeongnam are already experiencing critically low water levels. Gimhae has fallen below 28%, with Changwon, Miryang, Uiryeong, and Hadong also nearing the 30% mark. Currently, 143 reservoirs, over a quarter of the total, are below 30%, and 12 smaller reservoirs have been completely depleted.

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There is little chance of significant rain across Gyeongnam until mid-August. The current weather patterns are very fluid, making it difficult to predict the weather after mid-August. However, if Typhoon Dolphin changes into an extratropical cyclone in mid-August and moves north along the eastern coast of China, it is expected to bring rain to Gyeongnam due to the influence of the abundant moisture it carries.

In response, the Gyeongnam provincial government has declared an agricultural drought 'alert' in 11 of its 18 cities and counties. Emergency measures, including supplementary water supply and the operation of pumping facilities, are underway at 56 reservoirs. However, officials acknowledge that the only true solution lies in substantial rainfall.

Meteorological forecasts offer little immediate relief, predicting only isolated showers in the coming days and little chance of widespread, significant rain until mid-month. Hopes are pinned on the potential influence of Typhoon Dolphin, which may bring moisture to the region if it shifts its course northward along China's eastern coast in the latter half of August. President Lee Jae-myung has urged proactive measures, emphasizing the need for stable water supply through alternative sources and pumping equipment.

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The drought is intensifying, particularly in the southern region. Proactive response is necessary. Since there is no rain forecast for the time being, we must actively pursue alternative water supply and operate pumping equipment to ensure a stable water supply.