PYONGYANG: In late July, North Korea once again faced severe flooding, this time in the Sinuiju region near the Amnok River. Torrential rains caused the river to overflow, flooding Pyeonganbuk-do and Jagang-do provinces. North Korean media reported that over 4,100 households, 3,000 hectares of farmland, public buildings, roads, and railways were submerged. However, the extent of human casualties remains unclear, as North Korean authorities have not disclosed this information and continue to reject offers of assistance from South Korea and the international community.
Based on satellite imagery and footage released by North Korean media, the damage is estimated to be comparable to the devastating floods that hit Sinuiju in 2010. Despite Kim Jong-un’s emphasis on “disaster leadership” by personally visiting the flood sites, the recovery process is expected to be prolonged.
North Korea has faced a persistent cycle of natural disasters, particularly floods, which have significantly impacted its food security and public health. Over the past 30 years, floods, typhoons, and heavy rains have accounted for half of the country’s natural disasters. In regions like Pyeonganbuk-do, such events have repeatedly destroyed farmlands and infrastructure, leading to severe food shortages.
The 1995 flood, considered one of the world’s worst natural disasters by the World Meteorological Organization, devastated farmland across North Korea and triggered the infamous “Arduous March,” a period of mass famine.
North Korea’s response to these recurring disasters has been largely reactive, relying on temporary measures rather than systematic prevention. Deforestation has worsened the impact of heavy rains, leading to frequent landslides and severe damage to infrastructure. The flooding of farmlands exacerbates food shortages, further impoverishing the population.
In addition to food insecurity, the country’s inadequate sewage system poses a significant public health risk. According to a 2018 report by North Korea and UNICEF, only about 54% of sewage is treated, with rural areas seeing even lower rates. Flooding worsens this issue, leading to the overflow of untreated sewage and the spread of waterborne diseases.
North Korea has announced efforts to supply preventive medicine and vaccination programs to combat the spread of diseases following the floods. However, given the challenges in administering basic vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic, there are doubts about the effectiveness of these interventions.
North Korea’s ongoing challenges with flood management, food shortages, and public health crises underscore the need for a more comprehensive approach to disaster prevention and response. The government must prioritize systematic improvements to protect its population and address the underlying issues that perpetuate this vicious cycle.
