DPR Korea: Flooding - Humanitarian Snapshot (as of 05 September 2016)

Overview

Typhoon Lionrock, as well as a low pressure system, has triggered heavy rains over northeastern DPRK, causing the Tumen River to overflow and buildings to collapse. Early findings from the Government indicate that North Hamgyong Province has been most severely affected by extensive flooding, in particular Musan, Onsong, Kyongwon, Kyonghung, Yonsa counties as well as Hoeryong City.

Flooding is known to have killed 60 people and displaced over 44,000 people - 5 per cent of the population of affected areas1 , as well as destroying more than 4,400 houses. Communication with and access to affected areas remains a challenge, however, immediate needs have been identified as emergency shelter, food, medication, water and sanitary items.

Response

The Government of DPRK, through the State Committee for Emergency and Disaster Management (SCEDM) is coordinating the humanitarian response to the Typhoon and floods, activating its early warning and evacuation system. The Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) led by the UN Resident Coordinator (RC) are fully engaged in preparation for the response to this crisis along with Government counterparts.

The DPRK Red Cross has mobilized search and rescue, as well as first aid teams, and released 2,500 household kits (tarpaulins, jerry-cans, water purification tables, blankets etc). A Government-led joint assessment mission, with the participation of UN Agencies and international partners based in-country, has been initiated, which is also carrying immediate relief materials from stockpiles, especially food, medicines, water purifying tablets.

Meteorologists have forecast continued rain across North Hamyong Province over the coming days