North Korea – Death Toll Rises to 60, Over 40,000 Displaced

The death toll from the recent floods in North Korea now stands at 60 according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Typhoon Lionrock, combined with a low pressure system triggered heavy rains over the north west of the country between 29 and 31 August. The Tumen River and its tributaries have overflowed and over 40,000 people have been displaced from their homes.

UNOCHA say that early findings from the Government indicate that North Hamgyong Province has been most severely affected by extensive flooding, in particular Musan, Onsong, Kyongwon, Kyonghung, Yonsa counties as well as Hoeryong City.

UNOCHA say that “flooding is known to have killed 60 people and displaced over 44,000 people – 5 per cent of the population of affected areas , as well as destroying more than 4,400 houses. Communication with and access to affected areas remains a challenge, however, immediate needs have been identified as emergency shelter, food, medication, water and sanitary items.”

As many as 17,000 of those displaced are in Yonsa county and 13,000 in Musan county.

A further 4,300 houses have been damaged: 900 in Yonsa county, 1,800 in Musan county and 1,200 in Hoeryong City. Around 23 schools, 112 km of roads and over 10,000 hectares of crops have also been damaged.

The Government of DPRK, through the State Committee for Emergency and Disaster Management (SCEDM) is coordinating the humanitarian response to the Typhoon and floods, activating its early warning and evacuation system.

The UN and other agencies are involved in relief efforts. UNOCHA say that the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) led by the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) are fully engaged in preparation for the response to this crisis along with Government counterparts.

The DPRK Red Cross has mobilized search and rescue, as well as first aid teams, and released 2,500 household kits (tarpaulins, jerry-cans, water purification tables, blankets etc). A Government-led joint assessment mission, with the participation of UN Agencies and international partners based in-country, has been initiated, which is also carrying immediate relief materials from stockpiles, especially food, medicines, water purifying tablets.

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