According to meteorological forecasts, the Korean Peninsula’s northern regions may experience temporary drought and unseasonably cold temperatures this spring due to La Niña effects. This weather prediction comes at a critical time as North Korea prepares for spring rice planting season. To verify these drought concerns, I examined satellite imagery of key North Korean reservoirs.
Based on recent images captured by the European Space Agency’s Sentinel-2A and 2B satellites, water surface area in eight major North Korean reservoirs has decreased by 13.7% compared to last year. This reduction raises concerns about agricultural water availability for the crucial May rice planting season, which appears less favorable than in previous years.
Comparing satellite images taken in late April of both years, I measured water surface areas of selected sample reservoirs. The Daejung Reservoir in Pyongyang’s Ryokpo district showed a 23.1% decrease, while the Samhwa Reservoir in Nampo’s Harbor district decreased by 18.6%. The Pogu Reservoir in Sincheon county, South Hwanghae province, and the Eunpa Reservoir in Unsan county, North Hwanghae province, also showed significant reductions of 16.0% and 18.6% respectively.
Additional measurements revealed declining water levels across multiple provinces. The Chamo Reservoir in Pyongsong, South Pyongan province, decreased by 2.2%, while the Saori Reservoir in Gujiang county, North Pyongan province, dropped 19.0%. The most dramatic reduction was observed at the Ani Reservoir in Gosan county, Gangwon province, with a 33.0% decrease. The Saseulmak Reservoir in Gowon county, South Hamgyong province, also showed a substantial 15.6% reduction.
When combining data from all eight sample reservoirs, the analysis indicates an average 13.7% decrease in North Korean reservoir water levels this spring. This stands in contrast to recent satellite analysis showing a 22.3% increase in wheat and barley cultivation areas, suggesting expanded spring field farming.
Whether due to climate change or other factors, the reduced water surface areas raise concerns about potential water shortages for rice farming as North Korea enters its crucial transplanting season this spring.
