25.09.13.Today News : Gangneung’s 100mm Rain Revives Obong Reservoir, Citizens Welcome Relief

Gangneung’s 100mm Rain Revives Obong Reservoir, Citizens Welcome Relief

📍After 52 days of drought, reservoir levels rise above 14% with heaviest rainfall of the year, offering hope but not full recovery

Gangneung, which had declared a state of disaster due to an unprecedented drought, finally saw the heaviest rainfall of the year. With over 100mm of precipitation, Obong Reservoir, the city’s primary water source, recorded its first increase in storage levels in nearly two months, bringing much-needed relief to residents.

Gangneung, which had declared a state of national disaster due to severe drought, received over 100mm of rain—the heaviest rainfall this year.

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■ A City Struggling with Drought
For more than 50 days, Gangneung had endured severe drought conditions, with reservoirs nearly empty and farmlands drying up. The Obong Reservoir, which supplies 87% of the city’s water, dropped to just above 10% capacity, exposing cracked ground and alarming local authorities. Water trucks were dispatched to affected neighborhoods, and the government declared Gangneung a disaster zone at the end of August, mobilizing nationwide firefighting and military resources to supply tens of thousands of tons of emergency water each day.

■ Heavy Rain Brings First Signs of Recovery
From noon on September 13, the long-awaited rain began to pour. By the following day, Gangneung’s downtown had received 106mm of rainfall, with surrounding areas such as Sacheon (110.6mm) and Yeongok (107mm) also recording significant precipitation. This rainfall pushed Obong Reservoir’s water storage from 11.5% to over 14%, marking the first increase in 52 days.

Although the rise is modest compared to normal capacity levels, it signals a crucial turning point. The Rural Water Information System confirmed the storage had climbed to 14.7% by 9 p.m., offering cautious optimism for both authorities and residents.

■ Citizens Rejoice in the Rain
On Saturday morning, as rain-soaked cars splashed through intersections, residents couldn’t hide their joy. “I never thought the sound of raindrops on my car window would be this comforting,” said a 39-year-old driver. Others described the rainfall as a “gift from the heavens” after weeks of hardship.

On social media, celebratory messages poured in: “Finally, the rain has come,” “May it rain all weekend,” and “This feels like a successful rain ritual.”

■ Visiting the Reservoir
Citizens gathered at Malgurijae Observatory overlooking Obong Reservoir, umbrellas in hand, to witness the long-empty basin slowly refilling. Many took photos and videos, capturing what felt like a rare spectacle. A 68-year-old resident expressed his wish that “the rain continues for at least a week,” while another resident noted that “the nationwide mobilization of firefighters and soldiers shows how severe this drought was.”

■ Ongoing Government Measures
Despite the rainfall, the fire department temporarily suspended water-truck operations but continued using the large-capacity pump system to ensure steady water supply. The Korea Meteorological Administration forecasted an additional 10–40mm of rain along the east coast through the early morning of September 14.

However, experts caution that true recovery is far from complete. At just 14% capacity, Obong Reservoir still lags far behind average levels. Specialists emphasized the need for continued rainfall, stronger water management, and long-term drought countermeasures in light of climate change.

■ More Than Just Rain
Beyond replenishing water supplies, this rainfall has offered a sense of relief and hope to the people of Gangneung. While the road to full recovery remains long, the city’s residents are grateful for what feels like a long-awaited blessing from the skies.

One-line summary : Gangneung received over 100mm of rain, boosting Obong Reservoir’s storage for the first time in 52 days and giving residents renewed hope.