Heavy rains in late July caused significant flooding damage in areas along the Yalu River in North Korea. Kim Jong Un visited the severely affected areas of Sinuiju and Uiju County, touring the flooded sites by rubber boat and issuing directives for rescue and recovery efforts.
Using Sentinel-2 satellite images from the European Space Agency, I examined the recent flood damage in key North Korean areas facing China across the Yalu River. Due to rainy season weather, clouds obscured much of the overall ground situation in the satellite images, but I was able to assess conditions in a few areas where the surface was visible between clouds.
Satellite images showed the Yalu River overflowing with dark muddy water in North Pyongan and Yanggang provinces, widening the river and submerging low-lying areas, with some villages and farmlands partially flooded.
Flooding in Chongsu Township, Sakju County, North Pyongan Province
Flood damage in Chongsu Township, Sakju County, North Pyongan Province, which faces China across the Yalu River, was seen through Sentinel-2 satellite images taken on July 31. This area is 25-31 miles away from Uiju County and Sinuiju, where over 5,000 local residents were reportedly isolated and casualties occurred due to the heavy rains. The situation in the Sinuiju area could not be confirmed due to heavy cloud cover in the satellite images, so I examined the damage upstream along the Yalu River in Chongsu Township, North Pyongan Province.
As seen in the satellite image, the Yalu River flowing right in front of Chongsu Township has turned completely muddy, and the river width has increased. Low-lying areas along the riverbank appear to have been eroded and partially submerged.
Flooding in Kim Hyong-jik County, Yanggang Province
The flooding situation in Kim Hyongjik County, Yanggang Province is similar. With muddy water greatly swelling the Yalu River, the river width increased from 120 meters to 280 meters (394 feet to 919 feet), and some low-lying areas along the riverbank were submerged. Although the satellite image resolution (10 meters; 33 feet) is low, making it difficult to confirm specific damage, it appears that some riverside villages and farmlands in Kim Hyongjik County were also flooded.
Flooding in Hyesan, Yanggang Province
In Hyesan, Yanggang Province, which faces Changbai County in China, the Yalu River has swollen significantly, greatly increasing its width. Low-lying areas along the riverbank were submerged in muddy water, and an island-like piece of land in the middle of the river appears to have narrowed and become isolated.
Despite cloud cover, satellite images revealed flooding in villages and farmlands along the Yalu River’s low-lying areas. Crops submerged in muddy water are now vulnerable to pests and diseases. The expected heat wave following the rains may cause further damage, potentially reducing autumn harvests. Clear-day images are needed for a more comprehensive assessment of the flood’s impact. The combination of flood damage and subsequent environmental stressors raises significant concerns about crop yields and food security in the affected regions.
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