Gwangju City has activated an agricultural water drought response center to address the ongoing lack of rainfall and declining reservoir levels until the farming season concludes.
On July 30, Gwangju City announced that it is collaborating with local governments and the Korea Rural Community Corporation to continuously monitor the agricultural water supply situation and implement an emergency water supply system in areas at risk of shortages.
As of July 24, the average reservoir level for agricultural use in the region was reported at 59.4%, which is 86.6% of the normal average level of 68.5%. Some areas are experiencing lower levels than usual, raising concerns about potential worsening conditions for agricultural water supply depending on future rainfall.
In response, the city has established a drought response center for agricultural water, led by the head of the agricultural policy department, and has mobilized all members of the agricultural infrastructure team to operate in two shifts. The center will continuously monitor reservoir levels, water supply status, and any drought-related damages while maintaining an emergency response system.
Key monitoring tasks include managing reservoir levels and water supply status, focusing on drought-prone areas, checking the operational status of water supply facilities such as wells and pumping stations, managing water supply measures for reservoirs below 50% capacity, and responding swiftly to drought damages and complaints.
Additionally, the city plans to strengthen its cooperation with the Jeonnam Regional Headquarters of the Korea Rural Community Corporation and local drought response centers to expand on-site responses in areas with low reservoir levels or anticipated agricultural water shortages.
To prepare for a prolonged drought, various water supply measures tailored to local conditions will be implemented, including utilizing river water for pumping and storage, direct water supply from irrigation channels, operating wells, and reusing drainage water.
The city will also enhance monitoring and on-site inspections in areas with weak water supply, such as the ends of reservoirs and paddy fields, and will quickly deploy equipment and personnel to minimize crop damage in regions requiring water supply.
Kim Hyun-mi, head of the agricultural policy department in Gwangju City, stated, "Given that reservoir levels are currently lower than normal, along with extreme heat and variability in rainfall, we cannot afford to let our guard down. We will work closely with local governments and the Korea Rural Community Corporation to identify areas at risk of water shortages and swiftly deploy available personnel and equipment to prevent agricultural damage."
Meanwhile, Gwangju City plans to continuously monitor weather conditions and changes in reservoir levels while strengthening efforts to secure agricultural water and respond on-site to maintain a stable farming environment in anticipation of prolonged drought conditions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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