North Korea: Alert issued as Typhoon Bavi makes landfall near Pyongyang on August 27 /update 2

Event

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued an alert for North Korea as Typhoon Bavi made landfall 50 km (30 mi) southwest of Pyongyang on the morning of Thursday, August 27. The Typhoon, which has caused damage but no casualties in neighboring South Korea, is expected to continue towards the North Korean capital. North Korean media reportedly repeatedly interrupted broadcasts on the night of Wednesday, August 26, with warnings of the incoming storm, a first for such an event. On Tuesday, August 25, Kim Jong Un issued a warning to officials to prepare for the effects of the storm.

Heavy rainfall brought about by the typhoon may cause severe flooding and damage to infrastructure in North Korea, which has already suffered from an exceptionally long monsoon season, with torrential rain causing flooding throughout August.

Continued rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas, as well as associated flooding and mudslides are to be expected in North Korea over the near term. A disruption to transportation and utilities is likely.

Context

Similar to the rest of the Korean Peninsula, there is a credible risk of storm landfall during the typhoon season, which usually runs from July to September. Most storms that reach North Korea have typically weakened following initial landfall in South Korea, although they still have the capacity to unleash heavy downpours and strong winds that pose considerable hazards to human life and infrastructure as well as cause significant economic losses.

It is worth noting that a lack of comprehensive and effective anti-flood measures, weak and poorly maintained infrastructure (particularly outside Pyongyang), and poor national emergency management increases the risk of widespread devastation resulting from powerful storm systems. The government's tight media censorship also prevents outsiders from determining exact casualty figures and damage.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.