Jangheung County Mayor Sa Soon-moon visited agricultural and aquaculture sites on August 8 to assess the water supply situation amid concerns over drought and heat waves. He emphasized the need for proactive measures to minimize damage to local residents.
The mayor toured six vulnerable areas, including farmland, reservoirs, pumping stations, and land-based aquaculture facilities. He reviewed the status of agricultural water supply, reservoir levels, and crop damage, while also checking the response systems for high water temperatures in aquaculture.
From January to July this year, Jangheung recorded 668.2 mm of rainfall, about 72% of the normal level of 922.8 mm. Since August 1, heat wave warnings have been issued for Jangheung and the surrounding Jeonnam region, raising concerns about damage to crops and farmed fish.
Following a drought damage survey conducted from August 3 to 4, the county reported that 16.7 hectares of crops, including rice, beans, and peppers, have been affected.
The county is renting out pumping equipment from local towns to affected farmers and is continuously monitoring the agricultural water supply situation. In collaboration with the Jangheung Fire Station, emergency water supply is being provided to areas in urgent need.
Since August 7, fire trucks have been deployed in the Jamdu-ri area of Daedeok-eup to supply agricultural water, addressing the urgent water needs of drought-affected farms.
Jangheung County plans to utilize large wells and river water to replenish 15 reservoirs that have fallen below 50% capacity. The county will also support the repair of large wells and provide excavation equipment to secure additional agricultural water.
On August 10, a field inspection will be conducted with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Korea Rural Community Corporation, and other relevant agencies to discuss drought response measures and additional water supply strategies.
To address the prolonged drought, a drought response situation room has been operational since August 3. This room monitors the water levels and operational status of local reservoirs and agricultural water supply facilities, enhancing responses in vulnerable areas.
In the aquaculture sector, efforts are focused on preventing damage from high water temperatures. Following a high-temperature warning issued for Deungnyang Bay on July 27, a dedicated response team has been established to maintain an emergency response system.
In June and July, the county supplied 142 circulating pumps, 3,019 kg of immune boosters, 70 tons of liquefied oxygen, and shading nets to aquaculture farms. If damage occurs due to high temperatures, the county plans to quickly assess and collect affected fish to prevent further losses.
Mayor Sa emphasized the importance of not only assessing the situation but also strengthening the response system to ensure immediate action in areas where damage is occurring or anticipated. He instructed officials to maximize the use of available water sources in low reservoir areas and actively utilize pumping equipment, wells, and fire truck water supplies where agricultural water is urgently needed.
Mayor Sa Soon-moon stated, “We will not let our guard down until the drought is resolved, mobilizing all available administrative resources and efforts. We will do our utmost to minimize damage to our residents by implementing a comprehensive response system across all sectors.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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