This report is produced by the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It covers the period from 18 to 31 July.

HIGHLIGHTS/KEY PRIORITES

• Torrential rain country-wide between 18 and 29 July caused flooding, and in some places severe damages to private dwellings, public buildings, infrastructure and agricultural fields. According to the Government of DPRK, some 62,889 people have been homeless and leaving 88 people dead. The three most affected counties are Anju City and Songchon in South Pyongan Province, and Chonnae in Kangwon province, according to the Government.

• Immediate food assistance is required for the people in those counties most affected by the flood. Although flood damages have been observed in maize, soy bean and rice fields, it is difficult to quantify the possible yield losses at this juncture. Crop production will be assessed during the upcoming Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission planned for September/October 2012.

• Due to break-down of water supply systems, inundation of dug wells and hand pumps by flood water and crowded places, as a result of destruction of large number of private homes, access to clean water and health care remain high priorities to avoid outbreak of diseases. Preliminary support is mobilized from UN agencies and partners to address immediate needs. However, further assessments in Health and WASH clusters over the coming days are required in order to establish exact needs.