PHOTOS: Severe drought in Gangneung

Vehicles from across the country draw water from a stream on the outskirts of Gangneung to be supplied to the Obong Reservoir, Sept. 2. Yonhap
SEOUL, September 04 (AJP) - Amid a severe drought, the city of Gangneung and its surrounding region in Gangwon Province have been forced to implement drastic water conservation measures.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the Obong Reservoir, the primary water source for the area, has seen its water levels drop to critical lows. In response, the city has closed 47 public restrooms and suspended operations at three swimming pools.

To combat the crisis, the government has mobilized a total of 112 vehicles and pieces of equipment, including 71 fire trucks and four military water tankers, to shuttle water to the reservoir. Additionally, officials have stockpiled 1.41 million bottles of water for residents, with supplies being delivered to schools and senior care facilities.
 The Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87 percent of Gangneung's household water, is seen its bottom exposed, Sept. 1. Yonhap Bottled water for Gangneung is stacked at Gangneung Olympic Park, Sept. 3. Yonhap The 5,000-ton Coast Guard patrol ship Sambong-ho supplies water to a fire truck at Anin Port in Gangneung for drought relief efforts, Sept. 3. Yonhap Leeks planted in a field in Gangneung are seen withered due to the drought, Sept. 3. Yonhap Employees of the National Health Insurance Service provide relief by delivering bottled water to households affected by the drought in Gangneung, Sept. 3. Yonhap Bottled water for students is stacked at an elementary school in Gangneung, Sept. 3. Yonhap
Cho Bo-hee 부장 jobo@ajupress.com