The Korean Peninsula has been experiencing torrential rains, resulting in extensive damage, as a monsoon front moves in from Japan, which was also hit hard and experienced significant destruction.
Since Thursday, North Korea has been experiencing significant levels of rainfall, leading to the issuance of heavy rain warnings in most regions. This includes North and South Hwanghae Provinces, the North’s agricultural heartland, as well as South Hamgyong Province and the city of Kaesong.
Notably, predictions of localized heavy rainfall of over 300 mm (11.8 in) in areas such as Baechon County, South Hamgyong Province, for example, have put the North Korean authorities into a state of heightened alert, repeatedly urging for the implementation of damage control measures.
Typically, North Korean state media provides weather forecasts and call for the implementation of measures to limit damage, but it does not usually share immediate reports regarding the extent of damage caused.
This recent rainfall seems to have been focused on the grain-producing western coastal regions, which account for about 60% of North Korea’s overall grain production. This suggests that there will likely be substantial damage to crops.
Of the “12 major goals for national economic development” identified by North Korea, the regime has set the increase of food production as its top priority.
For that reason, state television has continuously been sharing tips on preventing crop damage from flooding and urging the population to prepare accordingly.
For instance, in a segment titled “Mid-July Agricultural Technological Measures” aired during the 8:00 News bulletin on Korean Central Television (KCTV) on July 11, Kim Kwang Yon, a department head at North Korea’s Academy of Agricultural Science, gave instructions on how to prevent flood damage from crops: “If rice fields become flooded, quick measures to drain the water should be established to ensure that the rice plant’s leaves, even if it is just the tips, are able to emerge from the water, thus securing the conditions for them to breathe.”
As mid-July is a crucial time for rice growth, North Korean state media emphasizes the need for swift water drainage and dike reinforcement. Even just a day or two of flooding during this period can lead to reduced crop yields.
Farmers are also urged to develop strategies to combat disastrous weather phenomena, describing the production of food as something that must be achieved “even if the heavens crumble.”
Moreover, state media emphasizes the need for officials at all levels to stay up-to-date with weather forecasts and dutifully work to minimize damage from natural disasters.
Since the beginning of the week, KCTV has begun providing weather alerts via a news ticker during its regular broadcasts, and various alerts and agricultural weather forecasts have been aired during each program time slot.
Programs outlining crop damage prevention techniques are also continuously produced by KCTV.
“Recently, North Korea has been pushing to develop agricultural policies and establish the conditions necessary to boost crop productivity by proactively acquiring weather data,” explained Seo Soyoung, a researcher at the Korea Information Society Development Institute in South Korea. Seo added that part of this initiative includes an increase in the broadcast of weather and disaster-related reports and programs.
Most regions in North Korea are expected to receive significant rainfall due to the monsoon until the middle of next week.
However, once the rain stops, daytime temperature highs are expected to soar above 35°C (95°F), therefore, North Korean authorities are also advising farmers to take precautions against potential heat damage to crops.
Translated by Spencer Steinbach
