South Korea is grappling with an escalating water crisis in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, where President Lee Jae Myung declared a “state of national disaster” over the weekend after drought pushed the region’s main reservoir to unprecedented lows. | AI News Digest
South Korea's Gangneung is facing a severe water crisis, prompting President Lee Jae Myung to declare a 'state of national disaster.' The Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87% of the city's water, has dropped below critical levels, leading to significant water rationing. Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of drought and record heat, with rainfall this year at only 40% of the average. Local authorities are mobilizing resources to address the situation, but experts warn that sustainable solutions like rainwater harvesting are essential for long-term relief. The city's geographical challenges and reliance on a single reservoir exacerbate the ongoing water scarcity issues. Without a shift to sustainable water management, Gangneung risks repeating its cycle of drought and water shortages.
