As heavy rains continue to batter North Korea’s northwestern region, the government is repeatedly highlighting local officials’ efforts to minimize flood damage. This appears to be an attempt to share response strategies with residents nationwide, raising awareness about natural disasters.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, reported on its front page on Friday that heavy rain and flood warnings have been issued in several areas, including Pyongyang, North and South Pyongan provinces, Jagang province, and Nampo. The paper stated that in response to this, all sectors, regions, and units have boldly mobilized in the struggle to minimize natural damage.
The newspaper emphasized that swiftly responding to disaster-prone weather today is a crucial political task to protect the precious lives of the people, safeguard the achievements of the revolution, and ensure the successful completion of the five-year plan set forth by the Party. It then introduced various local response measures.
According to the report, the Pyongyang City Party Committee is thoroughly identifying and eliminating all potential risk factors for damage. The Jagang Province Party Committee has dispatched officials to monitor conditions in areas vulnerable to natural disasters. They have also relocated residents from flood-prone areas to safety zones, ensuring they have access to food and other necessities.
The North Pyongan Province Party Committee has reportedly reconfirmed the readiness of essential rescue equipment and resources, implementing preemptive measures to mobilize them quickly if needed. The South and North Hwanghae Provinces Party Committees have established systems to monitor and report reservoir water levels and rainfall in real time. They are also focusing on ensuring the safety of drainage gates and riverbanks to prevent damage to agricultural land.
Recently, North Korea has been providing daily weather forecasts through the Rodong Sinmun, urging prompt responses from citizens. This heightened vigilance comes in the wake of last July’s devastating floods, when torrential rains caused the Amnok River to overflow, resulting in significant casualties in North Pyongan and Jagang provinces. The government now appears to be taking extensive measures to prevent similar natural disasters.