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Severe drought in Gangneung triggers natural disaster alert
The Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87 percent of Gangneung’s household water, lies parched on Friday. Yonhap
By Park Ung
Residents struggle as drought and failing water system grip coastal city
Gripped by an unprecedented drought, the coastal city of Gangneung in Korea’s northeastern Gangwon Province has imposed severe water restrictions after the level of its main reservoir fell below a critical threshold, prompting the government to declare a state of natural disaster.
The measures, which cut water to 75 percent of households, were enacted as the Obong Reservoir — the city’s primary water source — sank to a record low of just 14.9 percent capacity.
An online community of more than 75,000 mothers in the area has been buzzing with posts about the drought and water cutoff. Dozens appeared in August alone, as they shared fears about how to cook, clean and raise their children without running water.
“I’m worried a water cutoff is just around the corner. (If it does happen,) should I go to a laundromat in another area? Should I stock up on disposable tableware to avoid dirty dishes?” a user wrote in a post. “I keep thinking about how we would live if the water is cut off, and it’s giving me headaches.”
The post reflects growing anxiety among residents as the region endures an unprecedented dry spell lasting more than a month. On Saturday, President Lee Jae Myung visited the area and ordered the immediate declaration of a disaster situation — the first such designation for a natural disaster, rather than a human-caused one.
A disaster situation is an emergency measure declared when a disaster occurs or is likely, and is aimed at minimizing damage. It allows authorities to mobilize resources, provide relief, summon officials and offer government-level support.
President Lee Jae Myung presides over a drought response meeting at Gangneung City Hall in Gangwon Province, Saturday. Yonhap
“Mobilize all available government resources to minimize residents’ inconvenience and reduce the impact of the drought,” Lee ordered. He said that securing drinking water requires nationwide support and urged capable local governments to step up with a sense of community.
The city is currently enforcing stricter water restrictions, closing household water meters by up to 75 percent. This follows a 50 percent closure implemented two weeks ago, when the reservoir level dropped below 25 percent. That’s significantly down from a 71 percent average, and marks the lowest level on record.
Low rainfall and limited water storage infrastructure are the main causes of the drought. The city received just 386.9 millimeters of rain from mid-February to mid-August, about half the average.
Adding to the dryness is the Foehn effect, in which winds turn hot and dry after crossing the mountains. The effect has been especially strong this summer.
The Taebaek Mountains, which run along the eastern edge of the Korean Peninsula, separate the country’s inland from its coast. This year, persistent southwesterly winds dropped rain on the western slopes as they rose, but turned dry as they descended into eastern Gangwon Province, where coastal cities like Gangneung sit — a pattern that has prolonged the drought.
Fire trucks deliver water to the Hongje Water Purification Plant in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Sunday. Yonhap
A lack of water storage infrastructure was also a key factor. Sokcho, which is also located on the eastern side of the Taebaek Mountains and received a similar amount of rainfall and rainy days to Gangneung, experienced no water shortages.
Long plagued by water scarcity, Sokcho completed an underground dam in 2021 capable of storing 630,000 tons of water. It also built 20 bedrock wells, securing an additional 23,300 tons of water per day. By contrast, Gangneung lacks such infrastructure and relies mostly on the Obong Reservoir for its household water.
With no rain in the immediate forecast, the city and its residents are doing everything they can to conserve water. Since last month, Gangneung has shut down three public swimming pools and closed several public restrooms. Banners urging water conservation have been put up throughout the city.
Some lodging facilities have shortened sauna and pool hours, while restaurants have switched from water dispensers to bottled water. Despite such urgent measures, the city's residents remain on edge amid ongoing discomfort.
“My swimming pool has been closed for two months, and I was just told it will stay shut next month too,” a Gangneung resident wrote on an online community on Saturday. “With the ongoing restrictions, I’m constantly afraid the water will be cut off entirely. I never thought the shortage would be this serious — it’s really nerve-racking.”