Heavy autumn rain brings relief to drought-stricken South Korea

Autumn rain provides relief to drought-affected regions in South Korea Yonhap — Autumn rain provides relief to drought-affected regions in South Korea/ Yonhap

SEOUL, September 13 (AJP) - Heavy autumn rain fell across South Korea overnight Friday into Saturday, bringing the first significant precipitation in two months to drought-stricken areas including Gangneung, where extreme water shortages had prompted disaster declarations, officials said Saturday.

Rainfall totals from Friday noon to Saturday afternoon reached 173 millimeters in Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, and over 100 millimeters in Gangneung, which had declared a drought disaster. The precipitation caused localized flooding in several areas, with flood advisories issued for rivers in the region.

The Obong Reservoir in Gangneung, a key water source for the city, saw its water level rise from 11.5 percent to 13.9 percent by Saturday afternoon - the first increase in 53 days. Local residents called it "golden rain" after enduring severe water restrictions that limited daily supply to six hours for apartment complexes.

President Lee Jae-myung acknowledged on Facebook that while the rainfall would not fully resolve the drought that began July 6, it would provide some comfort to Gangneung residents who had been unable to do laundry or shower freely due to water restrictions.

Candice Kim candicekim1121@ajupress.com