As Typhoon Jongdari advances north along the western coast of the Korean Peninsula, heavy rainfall has started to impact the entire nation. North Korea has also issued “heavy rain and flood warnings,” urging caution.
Korean Central TV reported on the evening of August 20 that “from tomorrow afternoon (August 21) until the day after tomorrow (August 22), heavy rain and flood warnings are in effect.” The forecast predicts that areas in South Pyongan Province, eastern North, and South Hwanghae Provinces, inland Gangwon Province, and parts of southern South Hamgyong Province, including Kaesong City, will experience 80 to 120 mm of rain, with some regions, including Cheorwon, expecting 150 to 200 mm of heavy rain.
The report also warned that “some areas will experience strong winds exceeding 10 meters per second,” emphasizing the potential for significant damage if heavy rain coincides with strong winds. It urged thorough measures such as monitoring dam levels, being cautious of landslides, and preventing flooding.
The broadcast predicted that from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on August 22, a 50 to 70 cm storm surge is expected along the Ongjin-Yeonahn coastline in South Hwanghae Province and issued a warning.
However, neither the state-run media Rodong Sinmun nor Korean Central TV has reported on Typhoon Jongdari’s ongoing northward movement. It is speculated that this omission is due to North Korea not being directly affected by the typhoon. Nonetheless, the situation draws attention because North Korea has been emphasizing the importance of natural disaster prevention daily following the severe flooding in North Pyongan Province and Jagang Province in July.
The report also criticized officials for handling the recent flooding, reiterating that “disaster prevention work must be regarded as an attitude of service and perspective toward the state and people and as a serious political and ideological issue.”