State of national disaster declared as Gangneung's water reserves fall below 15%

The eastern coastal city of Gangneung has been declared a state of national disaster amid a water crisis as its main reservoir hits an unprecedented low.

Lee Seung-jae reports.

Over in the eastern coastal city of Gangneung, a water scarcity crisis has escalated into a full-blown national emergency.

Obong Reservoir,.. the city's main water source, has dropped below 15 percent capacity, the lowest ever recorded level.

This comes despite the emergency pumping of 10-thousand tons of water a day from a temporary downstream station.

But officials say the decline has not slowed, with new record lows being set daily, while the so-called "Maginot Line" for drinking and household water has collapsed.

Water meters are being shut off at 75 percent capacity, just eleven days after restrictions were first imposed at 50 percent. Public officials and community leaders are carrying out the shutoffs, but residents are already feeling the strain with daily routines like showering, laundry, and cooking becoming increasingly difficult, and damage to crops mounting.

"The most important part is sharing in your commitment to conserve water, even if it means shortening operations."

On Saturday, President Lee Jae Myung declared Gangneung a state of national disaster.

The decision followed a drought response meeting in the city,.. where Lee ordered ministries to act immediately.

The declaration gives the government legal authority to mobilize personnel, equipment, and emergency supplies to ease the crisis.

The president also issued a firefighting mobilization order.

50 fire department water tankers will be deployed to the region, delivering an extra 2-thousand tons of water every day.

In preparation for the worst-case scenario, where even drinking water may run out,.. Gangneung has been stockpiling bottled water.

More than one million bottles have already been collected, filling the parking lot of a large gymnasium.

Distribution has begun for daycare centers and welfare facilities, and direct deliveries are planned for residents with mobility issues.

But rain remains elusive in Gangneung.

While showers are expected nationwide on Monday, Gangneung is forecast to receive only 5 to 10 millimeters.

Meteorologists say no significant rainfall is likely before September 10th.

So far this year,.. the city has recorded just over 404 millimeters of rain, only 42 percent of the annual average.

Gangneung residents are now bracing for weeks, if not months, of disruption.

With reservoirs at record lows, officials warn that the city is confronting not just a severe drought, but a test of survival.

Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.