Possibility of Unauthorized Discharge from Buk Hwanggang Dam After Hinamno Passes

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] As Typhoon Hin Namno is expected to move out into the East Sea, it is known that North Korea is likely to partially open the sluice gates of the Hwanggang Dam upstream of the Imjin River for unauthorized discharge. On the 5th, the government attempted to send a notification urging prior notice in case of dam discharge in the northern waters, but North Korea did not even respond to receiving the notification.

A military official said on the 6th, "The water level of the Hwanggang Dam is not yet at a concerning level, but it is understood that discharge is continuing," and added, "The discharge from the Hwanggang Dam appears to be for water level control in preparation for the typhoon, so additional discharge is expected."

According to North Korean state media, heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm has been reported in Pyongyang, Pyongsong, Wonsan, and Munchon. Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, also inspected the disaster prevention status at the National Disaster Prevention Project Summary Meeting.

Our government sent a notification the day before, but North Korea has not responded. The notification included a request for prior notice, stating that large-scale discharge without prior notice from the North could worsen damage in the South, and called for overcoming the crisis situation through mutual cooperation between the South and the North.

Previously, North Korea opened the sluice gates of the Hwanggang Dam without notice to the South in June as well. At that time, our government sent a cooperation request notification demanding prior notice, but it was not received. In 2020, during the monsoon season, North Korea opened the sluice gates of the Hwanggang Dam several times, causing a rapid rise in the water level at Pilsunggyo, the northernmost bridge on the Imjin River, which led to the emergency evacuation of residents in nearby southern areas.

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