GANGNEUNG, South Korea—In a major relief for the city of Gangneung, the water level of the crucial Obong Reservoir has recovered to over 60%, a remarkable turnaround after a three-month-long severe drought. According to the Korea Rural Community Corporation's agricultural water information system, the reservoir's water level reached 60% as of 4 p.m. on September 22, an increase of 7.2 percentage points from the previous day.
The recovery marks a significant milestone since the reservoir's water level plummeted to a record low of 11.5% on September 12. Obong Reservoir supplies approximately 87% of Gangneung’s residential water. Following a concerted effort by citizens to conserve water and recent rainfall in the region, the water level has been steadily rising since September 13. This is the first time since June 3 that the reservoir has exceeded the 60% mark.
City Takes Action, Declares Relief from Drought Disaster
In response to the improved conditions, Gangneung City announced it would begin discussions with Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and relevant government ministries to lift the "drought disaster" declaration. The city has also suspended the emergency water transportation services that were in place, including the use of water trucks.
The disaster declaration was originally issued on August 30 by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, following a visit by President Lee Jae-myung to the affected area. The president had ordered the declaration of a state of disaster and the issuance of a national firefighting mobilization order to address the crisis.
Support Measures and Future Planning
Gangneung City is also rolling out follow-up measures to support residents and businesses affected by the prolonged drought. A "One-Stop Support Center" has been established to provide financial assistance to small business owners who experienced a decline in sales. The city is offering a special "disaster confirmation certificate" that facilitates quick financial aid, including loans of up to ₩100 million (approximately $75,000 USD) at a fixed annual interest rate of 2.0%.
In an effort to manage the surge in plastic waste from increased bottled water consumption during the drought, the city is also distributing dedicated collection bags for transparent plastic bottles and strengthening its overall recycling system.
Looking to the future, the city is prioritizing long-term drought prevention. During the 2026 budget planning session, key initiatives such as the expansion and modernization of the Yeon-gok water purification plant and the installation of underground water storage dams will be a central focus.
A city official stated, "With recent rainfall improving meteorological conditions and increasing natural water flow, the water level of the Obong Reservoir has stabilized, allowing us to begin discussions on lifting the drought disaster."
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