Gyeongsangnam-do deploys emergency water supplies amid severe drought

Gyeongsangnam-do is facing a severe drought crisis as agricultural water reservoirs have dropped to an average capacity of approximately 33%, significantly lower than the typical 70% average. All 18 municipalities within the province have entered various stages of drought, with five areas—Miryang, Geoje, Haman, Uiryeong, and Changnyeong—reaching the ‘critical’ stage.

In response, a national fire mobilization order has been issued, deploying approximately 159 to 200 water tank trucks from 16 different provinces and cities across South Korea to supply water to farmlands and orchards. The emergency response includes cooperation from the military, with the Army 39th Division, the Air Force, and the Navy providing water tankers and personnel.

To supplement the water supply, the provincial government is also deploying heavy machinery, including excavators and dump trucks, to extract water directly from rivers. While emergency supplies are providing temporary relief to crops, officials state that the long-term resolution of the drought depends heavily on upcoming rainfall.