Heavy rain warnings have been issued for most of North Korea, the east and west seas, and the west coast.



The North Korean Meteorological and Hydrology Bureau predicted that heavy rain of 100 to 200 mm accompanied by heavy rain will fall on the east and west coasts of North Pyongan Province, South Pyongan Province, South Hamgyong Province, and several areas in Jagang Province from tonight (14th) to tomorrow.



It was expected that 50~100mm of heavy rain would fall in Yanggang Province, northern Hamgyong Province, and Raseon City.



In particular, it is predicted that 200-400mm of heavy rain will fall in some areas of Hyangsan-gun, North Pyongan Province, Yeong-gun, South Pyongan Province, Sinpyeong-gun, North Hwanghae-do, Heecheon-si, Jagang-do, Cheonnae-gun, Gangwon-do, and Jeongpyeong-gun, South Hamgyeong Province.



The Chosun Central News Agency reported that the Ministry of Urban Management, an institution in charge of public infrastructure maintenance and repair, is working all over the city to prevent flood damage.



The city of Pyongyang inspected the drainage system installed at the railroad crossing and underpass and established a dual power system.



North Hamgyong Province increased drainage capacity by dredging rainwater networks, and Jagang Province is checking roads and water supply operation, the news agency said.



North Korea's agricultural authorities are concerned that repeated heavy rains throughout August will disrupt food production.



Ri Young-chul, deputy director of the Agricultural Committee, said in an article for the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers' Party of Korea, that "a variety of diseases and pests can occur in high temperature and humid conditions."



Deputy Director Li ordered the irrigation system to be repaired so that the rice paddies would not be flooded even if it rained heavily.



He also explained that drainage channels should be well managed so that field crops do not suffer from moisture damage and that the ridges should be raised by at least 30 cm to provide sufficient oxygen to the roots.



In North Korea, a drought hit this spring and an early start of the rainy season, which is expected to worsen food shortages.



(Photo = Chosun Central TV screen capture, Yonhap News)