Hot Issue in Korea (South): Severe Drought in Honam province

There is a continued severe drought in the southern part  (Honam province) of the Republic of Korea (hereafter Korea). I am explaining the situation below.

Severe drought in Honam (southern part), Korea; photo from Chosun Daily.

Situation of drought in Honam Province

Currently, the Honam region is about 130 mm short of rainfall compared to the average year, and the water level of dams in the Yeongsan River and Seomjin River areas, where drought damage is severe, is at 56% of the normal year for Juam Dam, 53% for Pyeongrim Dam, and 45% for Seomjin River Dam. This drought in Honam is also affecting the water supply of 11 cities and counties in Jeollanam-do Province including Gohung, Naju, Mokpo, and Suncheon.

Damages by drought

Eleven cities and counties in Jeollanam-do, including Goheung, Naju, Mokpo, and Suncheon, have suffered from drought damage. This drought has reduced crop yields and affected the livestock industry. In addition, the water levels of Jujin Dam are at 45%, those of Pyeongrim Dam are at 53%, and those of Juam Dam are at 56% of their respective average levels. In this situation, there may be economic problems such as a rise in prices due to a decrease in crop yields.

Measures of government

The government has announced a ‘medium-term plan’ to overcome the serious drought that causes significant inconvenience every year in the Honam region. As a drought countermeasure, it was planned to maximize the use of 16 dams installed in the main stream of the four rivers. The Ministry of Environment analyzed that securing 16 million tons of water is possible if the water level of the 16 dams is maintained. In addition, the Korea Rural Community Corporation is making every effort to secure agricultural water ahead of the full-fledged farming season.

Perspectives

Currently, there is a severe drought in the Honam region, especially in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do. Gwangju and Jeollanam-do are concerned about the possibility of limited water supply for the first time in 30 years since 1993 due to prolonged drought. The water shortage phenomenon in Gwangju and Jeollanam-do is particularly severe during the summer, and it is expected to continue until this fall.

Aggravating climate

Now we are facing extreme weather phenomena that we have not experienced before. Many scholars say that this is due to the increasing greenhouse gas.  Thus, every country is trying to do their best to reduce gas emission. In addition, they are developing innovative technologies to capture and store the gases in the subsurface (CCS). We are hopefully expecting this effort will be sucessful for our future.

#Honam #Drought #Green house gas #Climate change