Seoul: President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday declared the eastern town of Gangneung, severely affected by a drought, as a state of national disaster, the presidential office announced. "(Lee) instructed relevant ministries to immediately declare a state of disaster," stated presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung in a written briefing.

According to Yonhap News Agency, President Lee chaired a drought response meeting in Gangneung, located in Gangwon Province, earlier in the day. Residents in this area are currently experiencing water supply restrictions due to the severe drought conditions. Gangwon Province had formally requested the central government to declare the area as a disaster on Friday, citing the worsening situation.

In response to the crisis, Lee has also issued a firefighting mobilization order to aid the drought-affected areas in Gangneung. Kang mentioned that 50 fire department water tankers will be dispatched to the region, with plans in place to deliver an additional 2,000 tons of water daily. Lee has instructed the government to deploy all available resources to minimize the drought's impact and alleviate the inconvenience for residents.

Over the past six months, Gangneung has received merely half of its average rainfall. The water level at the region's main source of residential water supply has dropped to a record low of 15.7 percent as of Friday. A disaster declaration is an emergency measure that allows the government to mobilize necessary personnel, equipment, and supplies in response to a disaster or an impending one.