North Korea: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing in northern and northwestern regions as of July 29

Flood-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of northern and northwestern North Korea as of July 29. Heavy rainfall July 27-28 has caused rivers to overflow and triggered widespread flooding in the region. Sinuiju City and Uiju County in North Pyongan Province near the China border are amongst the worst-affected locations. Authorities have rescued more than 4,200 people stranded by the floods in the area. Officials have declared emergency disaster zones in areas of Changang, North Pyongan, and Ryangang provinces along the Yalu River. Further showers and thunderstorms are forecast across the region over the coming days, and additional downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation and hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity, water supply, and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, or some employees' inability to reach work sites.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.