'Food Shortage Worsening'... North Korea Takes Emergency Measures Against Floods in Hwanghaedo

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] North Korea, suffering from a severe food shortage, has taken emergency measures to prevent flood damage in the granary regions of South and North Hwanghae Provinces in preparation for floods.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the 5th that "emergency measures related to flood damage prevention are being taken in the cooperative fields of Jaeryeong County."

Rodong Sinmun stated, "In response to the forecast of heavy rain and downpours due to the influence of the monsoon front, the officials and agricultural workers of Jaeryeong fields are fully alert and making every effort to prevent flood damage," adding that the officials have been carrying out drainage ditch construction, repair and maintenance of drainage pumps, and reinforcement of embankments (dikes).

Jaeryeong fields (Jaeryeong Plain), located in Jaeryeong and Anak Counties of South Hwanghae Province, are considered a representative rice-producing area in North Korea. Seemingly mindful of last year's flood and typhoon damage, Rodong Sinmun noted, "We are seeking experience and lessons from past achievements and shortcomings and are intensifying efforts to protect farmland and crops," and pointed out that "a moment of negligence or carelessness at a time when the success or failure of the year's farming is determined can cause enormous disruption to grain production."

Efforts to prevent flood damage have also continued in North Hwanghae Province and Cholsan County. Rodong Sinmun reported, "In the rural areas of North Hwanghae Province, which have endured intense heatwaves and drought, a vigorous struggle is underway to prevent flood, heavy rain, and storm damage," and added that in Cholsan County, efforts are also being made to protect crops from floods and storms.

Last summer, due to monsoon rains and typhoons, farmland was flooded, significantly reducing rice production in the granary regions of South and North Hwanghae Provinces. Recently, Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party, acknowledged the food shortage, stating that "the food situation is becoming tense."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.