26,000 Tons Poured, But Not Enough: Drought Scars Remain

[Anchor]

Fire trucks have been deployed to spray water on fields and paddies in South Gyeongsang Province for three consecutive days, but it falls short of resolving the severe drought. Farmers are earnestly hoping for sufficient rainfall over the Liberation Day holiday weekend.

Here is a report from reporter Kim Su-yun.

[Reporter]

Amid scorching heat with daytime temperatures soaring to 34°C (93°F).

Firefighters traveled across farm fields in five areas designated under the "severe" drought stage, including Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province, supplying 7,200 tons of agricultural water.

[Jang Min-ho, Firefighter, Yongin Fire Station, Gyeonggi Fire and Disaster Headquarters: Even if the (National Fire Mobilization Order) is extended, I just hope citizens can return to a more stable daily life even a day earlier...]

The water sprayed from the fire trucks is truly like rain during a drought.

[Ryu Jeong-man, Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province: We are especially grateful to the firefighters working so hard. I feel so sorry that they cannot even go home, having come from afar.]

With the extension of the National Fire Mobilization Order, 100 out of the 200 fire trucks gathered from across the country will remain in the South Gyeongsang region.

Public and private sectors are joining forces, including 59 local fire vehicles from South Gyeongsang Province, alongside local governments and volunteer organizations.

[Kim Dong-in, Firefighter, Miryang Fire Station, South Gyeongsang Fire Headquarters: Firefighters came from far away, not only from Gyeonggi Province but also Gangwon Province. When grandfathers and grandmothers come up to express their gratitude, it makes us feel even more fulfilled.]

The cumulative amount of water sprayed on the fields of South Gyeongsang over the three days reached 26,000 tons, but it remains far from enough to alleviate the prolonged drought.

Thanks to the water from the fire trucks, a slight moisture can be seen here in the field.

However, traces of the drought still remain, with the ground cracking in various places.

With up to 150mm of rain forecasted to fall across the Busan, Ulsan, and South Gyeongsang regions during the Liberation Day holiday weekend, farmers are eagerly hoping this rain will thoroughly soak the cracked and parched earth.

[Ryu Su-gon, Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province: It really has to rain. Rain must come. It would be so wonderful if it rains.]

The National Fire Agency plans to decide whether to lift the National Fire Mobilization Order depending on future weather conditions.

(Video by Jeong Gyeong-mun)

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