SOUTH KOREA
Facing its worst drought in 90 years, South Korea has mobilised a fifth of its military force to help combat the situation. At least 130,000 troops were sent to 90 worst-hit regions armed with drilling machines, trucks, excavators and pumping motors, to dig wells or draw water from reservoirs. "It is like pouring water into a bottomless pot,' said Oh Kwang-Jei, an officer. In some drought-hit areas like Koyang, fire engines along with military and construction trucks are being used by the military to fetch water.
Since March, 2001, South Korea has had a nationwide average of only 9.3 cm of rain, less than one-third of the usual rainfall of 28.9 cm for that period. The drought hit the country during a crucial rice transplanting season that usually begins in May and ends in June.
Related Content
- Global LNG outlook 2024-2028
- Accelerating the implementation of India's national green hydrogen mission: assessment of standards to enable the ecosystem
- Ramping up energy storage: lessons for the EU
- Climate vulnerability of East Asia: adaptation in the region can provide global benefits
- Blockchain and IoT for drinking water in G20 countries: a game-changing opportunity
- Creative India: tapping the full potential