Despite significant rainfall in Gwangju, Jeonnam last month, the drought has not been alleviated.
In some areas, the agricultural water reservoir levels are at a 'serious' stage, ranking the lowest in the country.
Proactive measures are needed to secure agricultural water.
According to the Korea Rural Community Corporation's Rural Water Comprehensive Information System, as of today, the average agricultural water reservoir level in 25 cities, counties, and districts in Gwangju is 48.5%.
This is only 77.3% of the normal reservoir level (62.8%).
While this marks a 6.7% increase from the lowest point of 41.8% on August 11, the situation remains concerning as it is still classified as 'warning' (severe drought).
The drought stages for agricultural water are categorized into four levels based on a 30-year average reservoir level: 'concern' (below 70% - mild drought), 'caution' (below 60% - moderate drought), 'warning' (below 50% - severe drought), and 'serious' (below 40% - extreme drought).
As of August 11, Gwangju and ten cities and counties in Jeonnam (Suncheon, Gwangyang, Yeosu, Gokseong, Gurye, Goheung, Boseong, Hwasun, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong) were all at the 'caution' stage.
Notably, Gwangju's reservoir levels are the lowest in the nation.
The national average reservoir level is currently 57.9%, with regions like Chungbuk (77.3%), Gyeonggi (71.6%), and Chungnam (70.5%) exceeding 70%. Gangwon (66.9%), Gyeongnam (56.9%), Gyeongbuk (53.2%), Jeonbuk (50.4%), and Jeju (48.6%) follow.
However, Gwangju stands at 48.5%, the lowest in the country.
There are also significant disparities within the region.
Suncheon, Gwangyang, and Yeosu have relatively better levels at 68.8%, Hwasun at 66.0%, Boseong at 62.5%, and Yeongam at 62.1%, while Jindo, Gokseong, Jangseong, Goheung, Hampyeong, and Jangheung are below 40%.
According to a recent report from the Gwangju Metropolitan City on summer drought damage, out of a total of 161,878 hectares of rice paddies, 86 hectares (0.05%) have suffered from dryness, while 126 hectares (0.1%) of 112,218 hectares of fields have also been affected.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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