ReliefWeb

The protracted humanitarian situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) continues to be characterised by food insecurity, limited access to health and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), resulting in chronic malnutrition and poor health outcomes. In 2016, life-saving interventions continue to complement national efforts to deliver basic services. In addition, recurring natural hazards such as floods and drought, including the impact of the 2015 El Niño phenomenon, have exacerbated existing vulnerabilities. In August 2016, heavy rains in North Hamgyong province from Typhoon Lionrock caused water levels in the river Tumen to rise by 6 to 12 meters, flooding large areas in six counties, and resulting in the widespread destruction of roads, bridges and crops. Official figures indicated 138 deaths and 400 missing persons. Some 600,000 people are in need of assistance due to disruption of water supplies and damage to health, education and sanitation facilities. Damage to the water purification, pumping and supply systems has increased the risk of water-borne diseases and significant risks of outbreaks of communicable diseases still exist, especially of diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections, particularly among the affected children, pregnant women and the elderly. The Government has mobilized volunteers to assist in the rescue and relief operations. They have also requested support from the international community residing in the country for roofing materials to rebuild houses, schools, clinics and kindergartens which are in short supply.

Total affected population: 11 million

Total affected children (under 18): 6 million

Total people to be reached in 2016: 6.9 million

Total children under 5 to be reached in 2016: 1.7 million

2016 programme targets

Nutrition

• 4.9 million people (including women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, lactating women and children aged 6 to 24 months) received micronutrient supplementation

• 25,000 children aged 0 to 59 months affected by SAM admitted for treatment

Health

• 370,000 children under 12 months and 372,000 pregnant women immunized with Expanded Programme on Immunization vaccines

• 1.5 million children aged 12 to 59 months dewormed twice in the year

• 1.7 million children aged 6 to 59 months received two doses of vitamin A

WASH

• 250,000 people, including school children, accessed water for drinking, cooking and personal hygiene

• 1 million people accessed treated drinking water and safe storage • 2 million people reached with appropriate hygiene practices