South Korea’s Ministry of Unification reported on Thursday that despite heavy rainfall, water levels at Pilseung Bridge, the northernmost point of the Imjin River, remain stable.
A ministry official briefed reporters, stating that as of this morning, the water level at Pilseung Bridge is 0.54 meters (approximately 1.8 feet), well below the 1-meter (approximately 3 feet) evacuation threshold. The official emphasized that the situation is under control.
The official added that, regardless of potential dam releases by North Korea, they’re closely monitoring the situation, focusing on the water level at Pilseung Bridge, and further noting that they’re coordinating with relevant agencies to prevent any damage to civilian property or infrastructure.
North Korea has been experiencing heavy rainfall exceeding 100 mm (about 3.9 inches) daily due to the monsoon front. On Thursday, the official newspaper of Workers’ Party of Korea, Rodong Sinmun, cited data from the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration, reporting significant rainfall between Monday and Tuesday in several areas: Goseong (184.9 mm, about 7.3 inches), Anbyon (124.5 mm, about 4.9 inches), Tongchon (113.4 mm, about 4.5 inches), Orang (112.7 mm, about 4.4 inches), Kyongsong (110 mm, about 4.3 inches), Myonggan (104.6 mm, about 4.1 inches), and Munchon (104.5 mm, about 4.1 inches).
Vice Minister Kim Nam Jung of the Ministry of Unification, after inspecting the Gunam Dam and Pilseung Bridge in the Imjin River basin in Yeoncheon County, Gyeonggi Province, emphasized the importance of North Korea providing advance notice of dam discharges. He stressed this as a crucial humanitarian measure to mitigate flood risks in the border region.
The Imjin River is a transboundary waterway shared by North and South Korea. Advance notification from North Korea regarding dam releases is critical for South Korea to implement timely flood prevention measures and ensure the safety of its citizens in the affected areas.