N. Korea issues special flood alert in downstream area of Tumen River

SEOUL, Aug. 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Saturday issued a special alert for flooding in the downstream region of the Tumen River on the country's northeastern tip, the North's state radio network said.

The alert affects areas ranging from Onsong County in North Hamgyong Province on the border with China to the estuary of the Tumen River, according to the Korean Central Broadcasting Station.

A day earlier, the country issued a first-stage flood alert for its northeastern city of Rason, citing the impact of continued downpours.

Saturday's warning appears to upgrade Friday's alert to a greater area.

The region around Rason and the lower Tumen River has been affected by several recent typhoons, including Typhoon Francisco and Lekima.

North Korea is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its lack of infrastructure, with heavy rains, in particular, leaving thousands of people displaced in the impoverished country.

In August 2015, Typhoon Goni flooded Rason, the site of a special economic zone, leaving nearly 40 North Koreans dead and more than 10,000 people displaced.

sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)