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South Korea Lifts Drought Emergency in Gangneung

  • Writer: Minseo Kim
    Minseo Kim
  • Sep 23
  • 1 min read

Sep 23, 2025

Minseo Kim



The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on September 22 that Gangneung’s drought emergency, declared only 23 days earlier, has been lifted as water supplies stabilize. The Obong Reservoir, which had plummeted to a record-low 11.5% earlier this month, climbed to 60.1% by the afternoon of the 22nd—enough to secure household water for about 200 days. Forecast rain and diversified sources, including streams, groundwater, and dam releases, are expected to push levels to 70% this week.


Government agencies had deployed more than 20,000 workers, 8,700 machines, and ₩3.4 billion in emergency funds, expanding supply facilities and dredging reservoirs. Nationwide bottled water drives delivered over 10 million bottles to residents. With conditions easing, the national mobilization order and drought alerts were also withdrawn.


Yet experts warn against complacency. The crisis exposed weaknesses in relying solely on the Obong Reservoir and Namdaecheon River. Alternatives such as Doam Dam remain hindered by water quality issues, while investments in desalination, rainwater storage, and integrated management systems are being urged.


Local residents endured water rationing at over 120 sites, with some even leaving the city. Calls are growing for community-based water governance, involving citizens, farmers, and experts in planning and allocation.


Scholars stress that drought must be treated as a climate-driven systemic disaster requiring national-level financial backing and science-based management. “The era of waiting for rain is over,” noted Jeon Gye-won of Kangwon National University.



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