North Korea Rain Alert Issued for Jagang Province Following Torrential Downpours
North Korea rain warnings were issued Monday as intense weather battered the country’s northwestern region. The alert came after heavy rainfall struck Jagang Province overnight, raising fears of flash floods and landslides.
According to the Korean Central Broadcasting Station, 176.1 millimeters of rain fell in one county between 10 p.m. Sunday and 8 a.m. Monday. Furthermore, forecasters expect up to 250 millimeters of additional rainfall in the northern parts of the province.
North Korean authorities urged communities to prepare for extreme weather. The radio dispatch advised citizens to implement safety measures to prevent damage from rain, strong winds, and lightning. Officials emphasized early prevention and local cooperation.
North Korea rain concerns are particularly serious due to the country’s limited infrastructure. Roads, drainage systems, and emergency services remain underdeveloped. As a result, even moderate storms often lead to displacement and destruction.
Jagang Province, which is mountainous and sparsely developed, faces higher risk of landslides. Its rugged terrain makes rescue and recovery efforts especially challenging after major storms.
Last year, similar heavy rains in July caused widespread flooding. The Amnok River overflowed in North Phyongan, Jagang, and Ryangang provinces. The event led to serious damage and drew criticism from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
He publicly blamed local officials for what he called “unacceptable casualties.” That rare reprimand underscored the seriousness of the damage and the state’s growing focus on disaster management.
In response to repeated natural disasters, North Korea recently created a new emergency management agency. South Korea’s unification ministry reported the agency’s formation earlier this month. This marks a shift in North Korea’s approach to climate resilience and disaster planning.
Despite the new measures, state-run media has not yet confirmed the current extent of damage. The public remains uncertain about the impact of the recent storms.
For now, North Korea rain alerts remain in effect. Authorities continue to urge caution and preparedness as the weather system moves across the region. With more rain expected, officials hope new protocols can minimize further harm.
