OCHA Situation Report No. 1
DPR Korea: Floods
9 November 2006


This situation report is based on the information received from the 
International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) and the UN in 
Pyongyang.

Situation

1. On 21 October 2006 fierce winds and torrential rains caused high 
tidal waves, which struck four counties and two cities of Kangwon 
province on the east coast of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea 
(DPRK). A storm similar to a typhoon with velocity of 20 m/s caused 
tidal waves of up to eight meters and torrential rain of over 200mm that 
lasted until 23 October.

2. A total of 732 houses were totally or partially destroyed and 366 
houses were inundated in Tongchon, Anbyon, Kosong, Chonnae counties as 
well as Wonsan and Munchon cities. More than 500 families were partially 
affected and 644 others (7,310 people) rendered homeless. Fourteen 
people were injured with no reported deaths. An early warning system was 
reportedly activated two days before the disaster.

National and International Response

3. Local authorities attended to the injured and public buildings and 
schools were used as temporary shelter for the evacuated. The Government 
and the local authorities are now engaged in the rehabilitation of 
houses and addressing the local food situation.

4. The DPRK Red Cross conducted a rapid assessment of the situation on 
23 October. A total of 235 community-based volunteers were employed to 
assist with evacuations, providing first aid, carrying the wounded to 
nearby hospitals and supporting assessment efforts.

5. Family kits (644) were distributed from disaster preparedness 
stockpiles in Wonsan city, transported with the support of the 
provincial authorities. Each family kit consists of plastic sheeting, 
four blankets, basic kitchen equipment, water containers and water 
purification tablets.

Assistance needs

6. The total cost for replacement of the disaster preparedness 
stockpiles is estimated at CHF 55,000. Although no appeal has been 
launched, donors interested in contributing towards the replenishment of 
stocks have been asked to contact the Federation directly.

7. OCHA will continue monitoring the situation in close consultation 
with the UN Resident Coordinator and the UN Country Team in Pyongyang 
and will revert with further information as it becomes available. This 
situation report, together with further information on ongoing 
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at 
http://www.reliefweb.int.

Tel.:  +41-22-917 12 34
Fax: +41-22-917 0023
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:
  GVA - Ms. Paola Emerson, direct Tel. +41-22-917 1669
  NYC - Ms.Elda Papapoulou, direct Tel. +1-917 367 3599

Press contact:
  GVA - Ms. Elisabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
  NYC - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. + 1-917 367 5126

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