North Korea is bracing for torrential rains, with over 100 mm (about 3.9 inches) expected in Pyongyang as well as the central-southern regions. The government has issued warnings and is taking measures to mitigate potential damage.
On Tuesday, Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party, reported that heavy rain and flood alerts had been issued for Pyongyang and several areas in the central-southern region.
According to the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration, rainfall of 80 to 120 mm (about 3.1 to 4.72 inches) is predicted between the night of Wednesday and the morning of Thursday in various areas, including Pyongyang, Chungsan, Unnyul, and Poptong County, with hourly rates reaching 30 to 70 mm (about 1.2 to 2.8 inches).
The administration also forecasts localized rainfall up to 150 mm (about 5.9 inches), accompanied by potential thunderstorms and strong winds.
The newspaper urged all sectors of the economy and affected regions to implement comprehensive safety measures to prevent damage from heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
North Korea reportedly experienced significant rainfall last month as well.
Rodong Sinmun listed areas that received heavy rainfall on July 14 and 15, including 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 County (112.7 mm (about 4.4 inches)), Kyongsong (110 mm (about 4.3 inches)), Myonggan County (104.6 mm (about 4.1 inches)), and Munchon (104.5 mm (about 4.1 inches)).
While North Korean media, including Rodong Sinmun, have not reported specific damage from the recent heavy rains, satellite image analysis by NK News on July 31 suggests that landslides and flooding occurred in areas such as Kujang and Nyongbyon Counties. There are concerns that the Nyongbyon nuclear facility, a key site for North Korea’s nuclear program, may have been affected.
Last summer, heavy rains caused the Amnok River to overflow, flooding over 400 homes and roads in North Pyongan and Chagang provinces, resulting in significant casualties.
Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, stated at the time that the loss of life was unacceptable and personally visited the flood-affected areas multiple times.