The recent heavy rains in northwestern North Korea flooded thousands of houses and a vast extent of farmland leaving many residents homeless and living in makeshift tents, reported North Korea’s state media July 31. North Korea is prone to flooding from heavy summer rains because of poor drainage, deforestation, and dilapidated infrastructure. KCNA said Politburo members later approved the appointments of new Workers’ Party secretaries in the flood-hit regions and a new public security minister. On Aug. 1, South Korea’s Unification Ministry, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said the South was willing to swiftly provide supplies to address the “humanitarian difficulties” facing North Korean residents following the storms. North Korea didn’t immediately respond to the South’s offer and it’s unclear whether they will accept the proposal.
