Worst Drought Since 1973 Hits Gyeongnam, Emergency Water Measures Deployed

Gyeongnam Province is grappling with an unprecedented drought, the most severe since weather records began in 1973. Reservoir levels have plummeted, with the Kijeon Reservoir in Goseong County at a mere 22.5% capacity, threatening the supply of agricultural water.

The provincial government has declared a state of emergency, deploying excavators, water pumps, fire trucks, and wildfire suppression vehicles to secure and distribute water. The region has experienced significantly below-average rainfall since mid-June, with July receiving only 23% of its usual precipitation, marking a historic low. The forecast offers little relief, predicting continued clear skies with only isolated showers in inland areas through the end of August.

Across Gyeongnam, 569 agricultural reservoirs are at an average of 33.7% capacity, well below the national average of 48.1%. Over a third of these reservoirs are below 30% capacity, with eight of the province's 18 administrative districts facing critically low levels. Three districts, Miryang, Haman, and Geoje, have been placed under a "severe drought" advisory.

The dual impact of prolonged drought and heatwaves is devastating crops like rice, soybeans, peppers, and fruits, causing them to wither and shrink before ripening. So far, 5,422 farming households have reported damage across 1,955.6 hectares of farmland. The crisis also casts a shadow over the upcoming Chuseok holiday, raising concerns about food prices.

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We believe at least 200mm of rain is needed to alleviate the current drought. We are communicating with the Meteorological Administration, but we cannot predict when this amount of rain will fall.