Drought grips 97 regions across Korea

Drought conditions have been reported in 97 regions across the country, with the situation particularly severe in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety said Tuesday.

Water storage levels in agricultural reservoirs nationwide stood at just 70 percent of the average for a normal year, the ministry said in its October drought report.

The cumulative precipitation nationwide over the six months from April 2 to Oct. 1 totaled 783.3 millimeters (30.8 inches), or 72.5 percent of the normal year average, the ministry said.

As a result, meteorological drought conditions had been observed in 97 regions across the country as of Oct. 1.

Of the 97 regions, 74 were classified as experiencing mild drought and 22 as moderate drought, while Yeongcheon was classified as experiencing severe drought.

However, the drought in Yeongcheon is expected to ease by the end of the year, as precipitation is forecast to be above normal in November and December, the ministry said.

Yonhap