Red Cross flood alert in DPR Korea saves lives
9 August 2002

In the space of just five hours on 5 August, upto 227 mm of rain fell on towns and villages in the province of South Phyongan in the west of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). In the neighbouring province of South Hwanghae, up to 380 mm of rainfall in less than 10 hours caused floods which washed away homes, damaged roads, bridges, telephone and electricity lines as well as water supplies.

The flooding coincided with strong winds and was aggravated by water surges from burst dams and high tides. It also destroyed more than 3,700 hectares of paddy and non-paddy fields, in a country where there is a chronic food shortage.

An early flood alert by the DPR Korea Red Cross and local authorities led to the safe evacuation of people in high-risk areas and helped avoid a loss of life. However, the full extent of casualties is unknown. Official sources report that "scores" of people were dead or missing. More than 400 were injured.

More than 22,500 are now homeless. The International Federation has launched an appeal today for 900,000 Swiss francs (600,000 USD) to help provide them with shelter, blankets, medical aid and water purification tablets. With water sources contaminated, the water purification tablets will help prevent the outbreak of water-borne diseases such as diarrhea.

The DPR Korea Red Cross responded immediately to the onset of the floods. It set up first aid posts to help those injured while its Rescue Team saved 189 people by boat and helped evacuate people to higher ground. The Anju city branch mobilized more than 300 volunteers for search and rescue missions.

Related Links:

DPR Korea - Flash Floods Appeal
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