Gyeongju city council visits drought-hit areas to assess damage, response

The Gyeongju City Council in North Gyeongsang Province has been conducting a series of field visits to drought-affected areas as concerns mount over damage from a prolonged dry spell across the region.

Council Speaker Im Hwal and council member Kim Yeong-u visited drought-hit sites in Oidong-eup and Bulguk-dong on Friday alongside Gyeongju Deputy Mayor Choi Hyeok-jun and relevant civil servants, the council said Monday. They inspected damage conditions and water supply situations, and reviewed response measures in preparation for a further prolonged drought.

During the visit, participants checked the status of water reserves and resident complaints by area. They also exchanged views on ensuring a stable water supply and minimizing damage should the drought continue.

The council's field activities began July 25, when members joined Assembly member Kim Seok-ki on a visit to Deokdong Dam and drought-affected areas in Oidong-eup. On Aug. 1, they traveled to Angang-eup and Gangdong-myeon to assess drought conditions and response efforts there.

The council continued its rounds Sunday, visiting Geoncheon-eup and Seo-myeon to check on local conditions as part of its ongoing push to prevent drought damage and ensure a swift response.

"The longer a drought lasts, the harder it becomes to find solutions, which makes proactive action more important than anything," Speaker Im said. "We will make every effort to minimize drought damage by visiting communities directly to understand residents' difficulties and working closely with the executive branch."