Algae blooms near the Chilgok Weir in Chilgok-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, on Friday, when a major heat wave alert was in effect. [Yonhap]
Algae blooms near the Chilgok Weir in Chilgok-gun, North Gyeongsang Province, on Friday, when a major heat wave alert was in effect. [Yonhap]

A rainfall shortfall over recent months has left the six-month cumulative average at just 82.3 percent of normal levels, and precipitation is expected to remain below average through September. Meteorological drought has been declared across 48 cities and counties nationwide, with Busan, Gimhae in South Gyeongsang Province, and Ulju in Ulsan experiencing severe drought conditions.

The government issued its August drought alert and forecast Sunday with these findings.

Cumulative nationwide rainfall over the past six months stood at 603.0 millimeters, or 82.3 percent of the historical average of 736.5 millimeters.

Southern parts of North Gyeongsang Province and South Gyeongsang Province are under a Caution-level moderate drought, while Busan, Gimhae and Ulju have reached the Alert level, indicating severe drought.

The precipitation deficit is expected to persist for now.

Rainfall in August and September is forecast to remain generally below average, though October is expected to see above-average precipitation.

Normal rainfall ranges are 225.3 to 346.7 millimeters in August, 84.2 to 202.3 millimeters in September, and 37.0 to 64.3 millimeters in October.

The national average storage rate at agricultural reservoirs stands at 53.2 percent, or 76.1 percent of the historical average of 69.9 percent.

Storage rates in southern regions are relatively low, ranging from 54 to 76 percent of normal levels.

The government is pursuing water supply measures centered on southern regions, including drawing on river water to replenish reservoirs, providing direct supply through irrigation channels, and mobilizing water tanker trucks.

Storage levels at 19 multipurpose dams and 12 water supply dams nationwide stand at 104.3 percent and 66.1 percent of historical averages, respectively, keeping overall water supply conditions stable.

However, 11 multipurpose dams and 10 water supply dams in the Nakdong River and Seomjin River basins, where rainfall has been particularly scarce, are holding below their historical averages.

Among individual dams, Unmun Dam is at the Serious level, while Miryang Dam and Seomjin River Dam are at the Alert level. Seongdeok Dam, Andong Dam, Imha Dam, Yeongcheon Dam and Pyeongnim Dam are all at the Caution level.

The Ministry of Interior and Safety said domestic and industrial water supply is proceeding normally thanks to drought response measures already in place.

The government is using water from the Nakdong and Geumho rivers as an alternative supply for Unmun Dam, and is gradually adjusting water distribution at Miryang Dam, Seomjin River Dam and other facilities by reducing agricultural and streamflow maintenance allocations.


thlee@heraldcorp.com