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Democratic People’s Republic of Korea - Flood Emergency Response Plan (September 2016 – February 2017)

Countries
DPRK
Sources
UNCT DPRK
+ 2 more
Publication date

Funding

The HCT is seeking US$28.9 million to provide immediate humanitarian assistance to 600,000 people in food security, nutrition, shelter, health, and water, sanitation and hygiene for the next six months.

Situation Overview

The remnants of Typhoon Lionrock passed DPRK on 29 August 2016, merging with a low pressure front. Over the three days, 208 mm of rain deluged Hoeryong City. Between 30-31 August, the Tumen River rose 6-12 metres, breaking its banks.

As of 16 September, the Government has confirmed that 138 people have been killed and another 400 people remain missing. Based on official figures and assessment findings, around 69,000 people remain displaced and at least 140,000 people are severely affected, while as many as 600,000 people need some form of assistance.

Around 30,000 houses have been damaged, 62 per cent of which have been completely destroyed. A further 16,400 buildings, including schools, nurseries and health clinics have been damaged. More than 27,000 hectares of arable land has been inundated. Affected communities are dependent on a few hand pumps and dug wells, which are likely to be contaminated by the floodwaters.

Geographically, the affected area is mountainous with relatively poor infrastructure, which has further deteriorated due to the floods. There are many isolated communities who cannot be easily accessed. The rainy season has not finished and further heavy rainfall may occur. The situation will be aggravated as winter approaches and temperatures are likely to fall below zero degrees by the end of October.

Floods have compounded an already serious humanitarian situation, with vulnerable people suffering food and nutrition insecurity and lack of access to adequate healthcare.

The Humanitarian County Team (HCT) is supporting the Government’s response, initially releasing relief materials including food, nutritional supplements, shelter kits, water purification and sanitation, health and education supplies.

Building on the initial response the HCT is targeting 600,000 people in food security, nutrition, shelter, health, water, sanitation and hygiene and education.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.