Gangneung to impose water restrictions amid worsening drought
by Korea JoongAng Daily
A firefighting helicopter sprays water over Obong Reservoir, Gangneung’s main water source, on Friday in an effort to raise water levels as the coastal city grapples with its worst drought in years. [YONHAP]
The city of Gangneung, Gangwon, imposed water restrictions on large apartment complexes and facilities with storage tanks of 100 tons or more starting Saturday, as the coastal city struggles with a severe drought.
Gangneung Mayor Kim Hong-kyu announced the emergency measure during a press conference at City Hall’s disaster situation room on Friday, warning that further steps will follow if reservoir levels continue to fall.
The initial restrictions, which took effect from 9 a.m. Saturday, target 123 facilities in the Hongje service area, except for some smaller counties. Water supply from the plant will be suspended, with fire trucks delivering water sourced from the Yeongok plant and neighboring municipalities.
If levels fall below the 10 percent threshold, the city will adopt a two-step response: first, cutting water supply daily from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and second, enforcing alternate-day usage depending on reservoir conditions.
National agencies are also stepping in.
The Korea Forest Service has deployed helicopters, including two S-64s capable of carrying 8,000 liters each and two Kamov helicopters with 3,000-liter capacity. The Defense Ministry has dispatched five Chinook helicopters. Together with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, they plan to provide some 1,660 tons of water per day.
This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
Reference Written by PARK JIN-HO [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr] Provided by Korea JoongAng Daily
※ Picks respects the rights of all copyright holders. If you do wish to make material edits, you will need to run them by the copyright holder for approval.
more from
KoreaJoongAngDaily
KoreaJoongAngDaily
September's vibrant autumn events — highlighting fashion, art and culture in Seoul
2025-09-06 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily
Seoul to host drone show inspired by 'Kpop Demon Hunters'
2025-09-05 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily
New public services announced for trains, airports and national parks
2025-09-04 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily
Goodbye summer, hello fall festivals. Which acts are performing at a university near you?
2025-09-03 00:00:00
BEST STORIES
The Conversation
'How climate change is making Europe's fish move to new waters'
2025-09-04 00:00:00
AllblancTV
Try This 30-Second Daily Belly Fat Burn (Part 1/2)
2025-09-05 00:00:00
Street Food Guy
From Street-Side Espresso to Roastery Tools: A Flavor Journey
2025-09-01 00:00:00
Inven Global
5 best mid champions in League of Legends patch 25.13
2025-09-03 00:00:00
Environment
KoreaJoongAngDaily
Gangneung drought declared disaster, 75% of households' water restricted
2025-09-01 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily
Rise in shark sightings near popular beaches stir anxiety
2025-08-31 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily
100-degree heat, 100 millimeters of rain: Korea's extreme weather, in numbers
2025-08-26 00:00:00
KoreaJoongAngDaily
One researcher doesn't want you to own a dog — because of greenhouse gases
A firefighting helicopter sprays water over Obong Reservoir, Gangneung’s main water source, on Friday in an effort to raise water levels as the coastal city grapples with its worst drought in years. [YONHAP] 
