North Korea has issued a heavy rain warning for the Pyongan and Jagang provinces, urging residents in these areas to take comprehensive safety measures.
On Tuesday, North Korea’s state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported that heavy rain warnings have been issued for multiple regions in North Pyongan Province, parts of South Pyongan Province, and several areas in Jagang Province.
According to the newspaper, the State Hydrometeorological Administration forecasts that from Tuesday until the morning of Wednesday, areas including Gujang and Chonma in North Pyongan Province, as well as regions such as Kaecheon and Songwon in South Pyongan Province and portions of Jagang Province, may experience heavy rainfall ranging from 80 to 130 mm (about 3.1 to 5.1 inches), with localized totals reaching up to 200 mm (about 7.9 inches). Hourly rainfall rates could be between 30 and 70 mm (about 1.2 to 2.8 inches).
The agency also warned of possible thunderstorms and strong gusts of wind, stating that residents in these areas must implement comprehensive safety measures to prevent damage from heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds.
This summer, North Korea has frequently raised awareness about the potential for damage caused by heavy rains or heatwaves through weather forecasts. On August 8, Rodong Sinmun emphasized that disaster prevention efforts being carried out nationwide had not been properly enforced in some regions, urging residents to remain on high alert and ensure thorough disaster prevention measures.
This appears to be a precautionary measure in response to last year’s massive flooding. In July 2024, heavy rains caused the Yalu River to overflow, flooding over 400 homes and roads in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces, resulting in significant casualties and what was described as a historic flood disaster.
At that time, Kim Jong Un visited the flood-affected areas multiple times to direct relief efforts. Ahead of this year’s rainy season, North Korea has established a new cabinet organization called the Disaster Prevention Agency. While some regions have experienced intermittent heavy rains this year, North Korea has yet to disclose specific details about any flooding incidents.