Hwacheon County Takes Proactive Measures Against Drought Damage... On-Site Inspections and Equipment Checks

Hwacheon's Rainfall at 57% of Average This Year... Response Measures in Action
Inspection of Agricultural Sites in Townships and Villages
Checking Equipment Including Pumps and Wells

Hwacheon County in Gangwon Province has taken proactive measures to prevent drought damage caused by reduced rainfall.

During the worst drought in 2018, Hwacheon County rented a water truck to supply water to the zucchini cultivation area. Provided by Hwacheon County

On May 13, the government classified Hwacheon County as a 'caution' level drought area.

This is because the cumulative precipitation in the Hwacheon area from January to May this year stands at only 125.9 mm, which is just 57.5% of the average annual precipitation of 218.9 mm.

In response, on the morning of May 15, Hwacheon County, led by Deputy County Governor Ahn Junggi, held a countermeasure meeting to prevent drought damage and began full-scale response efforts.

First, the county is inspecting agricultural sites in each township and village where there is concern about potential drought damage.

In particular, the county is closely monitoring the growth of water-intensive crops such as cucumbers and pumpkins.

In addition, although a recent inspection of water supply vehicles owned by the county and various pumping equipment placed in each township and village has been completed, a re-inspection is currently underway.

The county also plans to expedite the completion of ongoing construction on irrigation facilities such as agricultural water channels.

Earlier this year, the county had already completed maintenance projects for 35 agricultural water facilities, including irrigation and drainage channels, as well as water intake weirs.

The county is also preparing for the possibility of worsening drought conditions by not only utilizing its own equipment but also considering renting emergency water supply vehicles.

Furthermore, the county plans to install temporary dams in small streams with remaining water and develop spring water sources in dried-up streams or valleys.

During the meeting, Deputy County Governor Ahn Junggi instructed each department to "begin with a detailed assessment of farmland conditions and focus on not only agricultural water but also village waterworks facilities that may be at risk of groundwater depletion."

County Governor Choi Moonsun emphasized, "While it is important to respond to drought damage, prevention is the top priority," adding, "We are strengthening monitoring of agricultural sites and making every effort to prevent drought damage."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.