Fire trucks and firefighters gather at Gangbuk Public Stadium in Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung, on the morning of August 31, after the National Fire Agency issued a nationwide mobilization order on August 30 to provide water supplies to the drought-stricken city.
GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Aug. 31 (Korea Bizwire) — Under searing 35-degree heat, fire crews from across the country converged on Gangneung on Sunday, hauling thousands of tons of water in an urgent effort to relieve one of the worst droughts to hit the region in decades.
On August 31, fire trucks from across the country pour in water at Hongje Water Purification Plant in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, which supplies drinking water to 87 percent of the city’s residents.
At the Hongje Water Purification Plant, which supplies drinking water to nearly 90 percent of Gangneung’s residents, fire trucks lined up throughout the day to unload water collected from hydrants in nearby cities including Donghae, Sokcho, Pyeongchang and Yangyang.
By nightfall, about 2,500 tons had been delivered, with operations set to expand to 3,000 tons a day starting Monday using larger tankers.
On August 31, fire trucks from across the country poured water at the Hongje Water Purification Plant in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, which supplies household water to 87 percent of the city’s residents.
The scene was one of relentless labor, firefighters wiping sweat from their brows but pressing on. “It looked serious on the news, but seeing the drought firsthand is heartbreaking,” said Lt. Kwon Chan-joo of the Pocheon Fire Department. Kim Jin-woo, a firefighter from Bonghwa, vowed to make “as many trips as possible” despite the exhausting heat.
Fire trucks from across the country deliver water drawn from nearby city and county hydrants to Hongje Water Purification Plant in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, to support the city suffering from its worst drought.
The mobilization began at 9 a.m., when dozens of units gathered at a sports ground designated by the Gangwon Fire Headquarters. The aid is expected to continue until conditions improve, though officials warned the city remains in crisis.
As Gangneung’s water shortage persists, Lotte Chilsung Beverage has announced it will provide residents with groundwater from the Daegwallyeong region. The natural bedrock water, drawn from 200 meters underground in Gangwon’s pristine area, is also used to produce “Cheoeum-Cheoreom,” the soju brand made by Lotte Liquor.
Even while supplying water, fire authorities are maintaining readiness for other emergencies, setting up mobile reservoirs at fire stations and preparing for potential wildfires. “We will commit every available resource to ease the hardships of Gangneung residents while ensuring we remain ready to respond to any disaster,” said Kim Seung-ryong, chief of the Gangwon Fire Headquarters.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
