Drought conditions reported in 97 regions nationwide

The interior ministry reported on Tuesday that drought conditions have been observed in 97 regions nationwide, with the situation being most severe in Yeongcheon, located in North Gyeongsang Province. According to the ministry's October drought report, water storage levels in agricultural reservoirs across the country were found to be only 70 percent of the average for a typical year.

The total precipitation nationwide from April 2 to October 1 amounted to 783.3 millimeters, which is 72.5 percent of the average for a normal year. As a result, meteorological drought conditions were detected in 97 regions across the country as of October 1. Of these 97 regions, 74 were classified as experiencing mild drought, while 22 were categorized as moderate drought.

Yeongcheon, situated approximately 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, was experiencing severe drought. However, the ministry forecasts that the drought in Yeongcheon is expected to improve by the end of the year, as above-normal precipitation is anticipated in November and December.