Changwon Rain Relieves Masan Bay Drought… Floods Prevented Through All-Night Efforts

While heavy rains alleviated the drought in the Masan Bay area, coastal lowlands faced a crisis of potential inundation due to the combination of 'spring tides'—which raise sea levels—and the rainfall. However, damages were prevented through overnight response efforts by the Changwon city authorities. The rain falling from the 15th to the 16th replenished parched farmlands and water sources, but as it coincided with the time of year when seawater levels are at their highest, there was a risk that drainage would be difficult. The precipitation from this storm also helped relieve drought conditions in a region suffering from successive heatwaves and dry spells.

In response, the Changwon city government mobilized all staff for emergency duty to manage vulnerable areas such as coastlines and lowlands. Mayor Kang Ki-yoon also personally inspected key facilities like drainage pumping stations to conduct safety checks. Given the high risk that short-term intense downpours could escalate into complex disasters involving landslides, retaining wall collapses, and seawater backflow in coastal lowlands, the city established a response system by strengthening surveillance of landslide-prone areas and proactively controlling access to riverside walking paths and underpasses.

Changwon Special City Mayor Kang Ki-yoon stated, "We took thorough precautions as there was a possibility of flooding or landslides coinciding with spring tides," adding, "Through preparation in advance, we achieved the result of alleviating the drought without receiving any reports of damage." He continued, "We will further enhance the city's disaster prevention capabilities to prepare for extreme rainfall and rising sea levels due to climate change."