North Korea is actively pushing the modernization of its meteorological equipment, Daily NK has learned. Multiple sources say that as part of this effort, the authorities recently imported from China the latest automated meteorological equipment, which they are currently installing in major cities nationwide.
A Daily NK source in Pyongyang said Friday that “the latest observation equipment is currently being installed” at major meteorological observatories nationwide “in accordance with the Five Year Plan’s policy to modernize the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration to realize the scientification and digitalization of weather predictions and observations, as well as to bolster their accuracy.”
Prior to this, Chinhwa Joint Venture Company, an affiliate of the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration, imported the observation equipment and general equipment from China through the port of Nampo last month, the source said. The authorities have been installing the equipment at major meteorological observatories in major cities throughout the country, including Pyongyang, since Aug. 22, following the equipment’s release from quarantine.
A source in South Hamgyong Province said the city of Hamhung has also received the latest automated meteorological equipment in accordance with orders from the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration.
“The State Hydro-Meteorological’s order is aimed at making observations and datification using the new equipment routine by this autumn,” he said.
The effort follows a policy judgment by North Korea that the nation needs better weather analysis and weather predictions for the authorities to quickly respond to natural disasters and implement scientific agricultural production.
According to the sources, North Korea is currently installing the equipment – imported from China through the Chinhwa Joint Venture Company – in Pyongyang, Ganggye in Chagang Province, Hyesan in Yanggang Province, Hamhung in South Hamgyong Province, and Wonsan in Kangwon Province.
The imported equipment reportedly includes hundreds of kinds of computer monitors, desktops, solar panels, sensors, and server programs.
Meanwhile, the State Hydro-Meteorological Administration plans to bolster meteorological cooperation with China, and is reportedly devising the measures needed to make this happen.
The source said the Cabinet and State Hydro-Meteorological Administration plans to expand the number of meteorological observatories nationwide, along with installing more automated meteorological equipment.
“They are underscoring that only by analyzing the weather more minutely through the latest equipment can we minimize damage to the people’s economy and create a foundation to live through our own strength,” he said.
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