The eastern coastal city of Gangneung is facing an escalating water crisis as a prolonged drought has pushed its main reservoir, the Obong Reservoir, to record low levels, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to declare a state of national disaster over the weekend.
By early Sunday morning, the Obong Reservoir’s water storage fell below 15 percent, dipping to 14.9 percent, the critical minimum threshold required to maintain potable water supply. The reservoir provides nearly 87 percent of the city’s residential water. In response, city authorities began shutting off 75 percent of household water meters and halted agricultural water distribution to extend the remaining reserves.
This declaration marks the first time a natural disaster has led to such a measure in South Korea; past state disaster declarations were limited to social disasters like wildfires and oil spills. The emergency measure empowers the government to mobilize personnel, equipment, and supplies rapidly to mitigate the drought’s impact.
As part of the response, 50 fire department water tankers were deployed, delivering approximately 2,000 tons of water per day to affected areas. A special government-led on-site support group comprising officials from relevant ministries and local governments has been established to coordinate drought relief efforts and minimize inconvenience for residents.
Experts have classified the drought as a “flash drought” caused by scarce rainfall and record-breaking heat waves that swiftly evaporated the limited water. Gangneung recorded only 40 percent of its average seasonal rainfall this year, with just 404.2 millimeters through August. Forecasts predict less than five millimeters of rain in early September, with no meaningful precipitation expected until mid-month at the earliest.
The city’s geographical location, situated on the east coast separated by the Taebaek Mountains, makes it especially vulnerable to irregular rainfall and prolonged dry spells. The Obong Reservoir, a relatively small facility, is unable to sustain prolonged heat and drought, a situation worsened by the increasing frequency of such extreme weather events linked to climate change.
Gangneung has a history of drought-related water shortages, with previous episodes in 2002, 2009, 2014, and 2024, all of which affected water supply and agricultural productivity. Local authorities have considered supplementing water from nearby reservoirs, but environmental and civic opposition has delayed implementation.
City officials are considering additional water rationing measures, such as timed or alternate-day water supply restrictions, should the reservoir’s level drop further, possibly below 10 percent within the next month. Essential services like hospitals, welfare centers, and prisons will remain prioritized for water delivery.
Agriculture in the region is severely impacted; water for farming was fully suspended days ago, leading to widespread crop failures. Farmers report vegetables drying up and rice crops facing imminent destruction within days without rain or irrigation.
In efforts to cope with the shortage, Gangneung has stockpiled over 1.3 million bottles of drinking water for emergency distribution and is transporting water from local streams and smaller reservoirs to replenish the Obong Reservoir. Tourism facilities have curtailed water-intensive services, with some hotels closing pools and spas, while traditional lodging providers prepare for potential shutdowns if conditions worsen.
Experts call for sustainable water management solutions like rainwater harvesting to diversify water sources rather than relying solely on reservoirs. Seoul National University professor Han Moo-young emphasized the need for long-term strategies such as collecting rooftop rainwater, which is currently lost to runoff.
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