North Korea: Tropical Storm Bavi to bring high winds and heavy rains to northwest regions ahead of predicted landfall August 26-27

Event

Tropical Storm Bavi is forecast to bring high winds and heavy rains to northwestern regions of the country ahead of its predicted landfall in Hwanghae province between Wednesday, August 26, and Thursday, August 27. Bavi is currently expected to bring rainfall of up to 380mm (15in) in some areas in addition to wind gusts of up to 155km (50-70mph). Forecasters have warned that Bavi has the potential for causing flooding, mudslides, and power outages.

Tropical Storm Bavi is located 266km (166mi) to the west of Okinawa (Japan) and is moving in a northerly direction. Bavi is currently sustaining winds of up to 130kmh (80mph) and is expected to strengthen into a category two storm by Monday, August 24. Bavi is expected to strengthen further as is moves north into the Yellow Sea.

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.