ReliefWeb

Prolonged dry spell and recent floods affect 2012 cropping season

During the months of May and June a prolonged dry spell resulted in severe soil moisture deficit affecting the main producing areas of the country. The provinces most affected are North and South Hwanghae and North and South Pyongan. The dry spell has seriously affected the maturing early season crops (winter/spring barley/wheat, potatoes) and planting of main season maize crop. Following this dry period, heavy monsoon rains during mid-July, coupled with the tropical cyclone Khanun, caused severe flooding and localized damage to standing crops of the 2012 main season, including maize, soybeans and rice. Thunderstorms and heavy downpour on 29-30 July further exacerbated the situation, particularly in central parts. The provinces reporting serious flood damage are North and South Pyongan, South Hwanghae and North and South Hamgyong (see Figure 1).