A severe heat wave and prolonged drought have caused water levels at Okjeongho to drop dramatically, exposing the lakebed in South Korea [1].
The depletion of the reservoir threatens the stability of regional farming, as the area relies on the artificial lake for critical irrigation during the growing season.
Located in Imsil County, North Jeolla Province, Okjeongho was created by the Seomjin River Dam [1]. Current data shows the reservoir's storage rate has fallen to 19.6% [1]. This level is less than half of the typical average for this time of year [1].
Extreme temperatures have accelerated the crisis. Recent heat waves saw temperatures reach 40 °C [1]. These conditions have reduced water inflow while increasing the rate of evaporation from the lake's surface.
Reporter Kim Min-sung of YTN visited the site and said the exposed lakebed and sediment layers demonstrate the severity of the situation [1]. The drought arrives at a critical time for the local economy, which requires approximately 370 million tons of water annually for agriculture [1].
While temperatures have fluctuated recently, an YTN anchor said that heat continues to persist even if it is not consistently hitting the 40 °C mark [1]. The combination of low precipitation and high heat has left the reservoir unable to meet normal seasonal benchmarks.
Local authorities continue to monitor the Seomjin River Dam system as the region manages the dwindling supply. The visible sediment layers on the lakebed serve as a physical marker of the water loss in one of the province's most vital water sources.
“The reservoir’s storage rate is 19.6%, less than half the normal level.”
The critical drop in Okjeongho's water levels highlights the vulnerability of South Korea's agricultural infrastructure to extreme weather volatility. Because the reservoir serves as a primary source for millions of tons of irrigation water, a sustained deficit below 20% capacity could lead to crop failures and increased food prices in the North Jeolla region.
