North Korea is emphasizing disaster prevention efforts in preparation for summer floods, aiming to strengthen internal unity through crisis response.
The Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, published two articles on page 5 on Friday, titled, Let’s Stay Maximally Alert and Ensure Thorough Disaster Prevention, and, Numbers Matter in Preventing Major Flood Damage.
The newspaper highlighted the increasing severity of climate fluctuations due to recent abnormal weather patterns. It stressed that the current situation underscores the importance of natural disaster prevention efforts, suggesting that all sectors, regions, and units must remain vigilant and committed to these initiatives. The paper emphasized that strengthening disaster prevention capabilities is a noble patriotic task for the prosperity of the homeland, the protection of people’s lives, and the welfare of future generations.
While noting that various disaster prevention initiatives are underway across the country, the newspaper pointed out that some areas merely pay lip service to these efforts without taking proper action. It described disaster prevention projects as a policy task that must be carried out responsibly, even at great expense, to protect all that is precious in the country from natural calamities.
Additionally, the newspaper mentioned that accurate data and scientific research must underpin disaster prevention efforts, aligning with North Korea’s recent emphasis on science and technology.
Recently, North Korea has stressed the need for thorough preparations against recurring natural disasters such as summer monsoons, heatwaves, and typhoons.
Notably, last month, they publicly announced the establishment of a Disaster Prevention Ministry through Korean Central Television, signaling their commitment to disaster prevention efforts.
Analysts interpret this move as North Korea’s way of communicating to its citizens that it will not allow a repeat of last year’s flooding in the Uiju (Sinuiju) area.
Na Yong-woo, Director of the North Korea Research Department, pointed out in a report published on July 29 about how efficiently and quickly the state responds to crises such as disasters is a crucial factor in securing public support for the Kim Jong Un regime. He noted that in this regard, Kim has consistently emphasized disaster response since taking power.
However, North Korea has not reported any damage caused by heavy rain or heatwaves this summer.
Reports indicate that over 150 mm (about 5.9 inches) of rain fell in North Korea around mid-last month, but media outlets like Rodong Sinmun have yet to disclose specific instances of damage from the heavy rainfall.
However, a report by the North Korea-focused outlet NK News, based on satellite imagery analysis from July 31, suggests that landslides occurred in areas such as Kujang County and Nyŏngbyon County in North Pyongan Province due to heavy rain, leading to river flooding. There are also concerns that North Korea’s key nuclear facility in Nyŏngbyon may have suffered damage.
Meanwhile, last summer, heavy rainfall caused the Yalu River to overflow, flooding over 400 homes and roads in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces, resulting in significant casualties.