Drought conditions impact dams in Fukui and Matsuyama

Significant rainfall shortages are causing water levels to drop in several Japanese regions. In Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture, monthly precipitation has fallen to just 15% of the seasonal average. This has led to a decline in the Ishitegawa Dam reservoir levels and a drop in groundwater levels, which are currently 0.78 meters below the average.

In Fukui Prefecture, the situation has prompted authorities to enter an initial alert status for drought response. The Kuzuryu Dam, the largest in the prefecture, has seen its storage rate drop to 19.60%, the first time it has fallen below 20% in August since 2016. Other prefecture-managed dams, including Masuya and Otsuro, are also reporting storage rates in the 20% range.

While there is currently no direct impact on daily life, local authorities are calling for water conservation. In parts of Fukui, agricultural water usage is being managed through rotation systems to prevent crop damage. Meteorological reports suggest that high temperatures and low rainfall are likely to persist in the Hokuriku region for the coming weeks.