Xinhua News Agency, Pyongyang, August 10, report: North Korea takes emergency measures to fight floods
Xinhua News Agency reporter Jiang Yaping Hong Kerun
North Korea has experienced torrential rains and floods in many places recently. North Korea quickly adopted emergency measures to fight floods and disaster relief. According to a report by the Korean Central News Agency on the 10th, the North Korean cabinet, various departments, and cadres of the central government formed a central command group for flood relief and reconstruction, and rushed to the disaster-stricken area to understand the disaster and take measures to solve local disaster relief and reconstruction problems.
According to a report from North Korea’s Central Television, from August 1 to 2, torrential rain fell in many places in South Hamgyong Province, which caused the river’s water level to soar and dams in some places were destroyed. Preliminary statistics show that more than 1,170 houses were flooded or destroyed, and more than 5,000 residents were urgently moved. More than 16 kilometers of roads, more than 8,000 meters of river dams, and many bridges were damaged by floods, and large areas of farmland were flooded.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that after the heavy rain hit South Hamgyong Province, the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, Kim Jong-un, decided to urgently allocate national reserves to guarantee the main materials needed for the disaster relief and reconstruction project, and instructed the central government to provide financial and material support for Hamgyong. The disaster relief and reconstruction work in South Road is proceeding smoothly. According to reports, the Military Committee of the Labor Party of South Hamgyong Province decided to mobilize the local garrison to participate in the disaster relief, and instructed the engineering troops to repair the destroyed roads in the disaster area as soon as possible, and restore traffic and production.
The work to settle the affected people is progressing steadily. According to reports, many departments have taken measures to provide local residents with food and basic non-staple food, and strive to prepare for the supply of necessary medicines to ensure the safety of drinking water. Hundreds of medical workers went to the disaster area to carry out inspection, quarantine and treatment. At the same time, the reconstruction of the disaster area is also steadily advancing. The North Korea’s State Design Administration conducted an in-depth investigation of the disaster area and quickly formulated plans for new houses and solved the engineering and technical problems of the reconstruction of destroyed buildings.
In addition, various departments of North Korea’s national economy have taken a number of measures to prevent floods. The agricultural sector is committed to promoting the protection of crops, maintaining normal management of drainage facilities and equipment, preparing for emergencies, and building dams in a timely manner. Mines in various places have done a good job in maintaining drainage systems, adding water pumps and fully preparing spare parts. The aquatic products department monitors the docks and other facilities at all times, makes careful arrangements, and prepares for the transfer of fishing boats to safe waters.
Last summer, North Korea was hit by three strong typhoons and heavy rains. Many parts of the country were severely damaged. More than 1,000 residences in the coastal areas were destroyed, some public buildings and farmlands were flooded, and food production was also affected to some extent.
(Editor in charge: Wang Jupeng)