North Korea Experiences Severe Drought, a Rare Phenomenon

North Korea is experiencing an “unusual” and “severe” drought this year and is making efforts to protect crops. Natural disasters tend to have a significant impact on this isolated country due to its weak infrastructure and economy. Elizabeth Salmon, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea, stated in February that food shortages have become a major concern in the country. “The unusual drought in recent times continues in most regions of the country, a phenomenon rarely seen in previous years,” reported the North Korean state news agency KCNA, as cited by AFP on Thursday (30/4/2026). “Workers in various regions are concentrating all efforts on protecting early-season crops from the drought,” it added. “Cities and counties are responsible for repairing reservoir gates and water channels in accordance with the reduced water supply caused by the severe drought,” KCNA stated. Workers are also implementing “technical measures to minimise drought damage, enhance drought resistance of wheat and barley, and strive to ensure stable growth of early-season crops,” it further added. South Korea—the fourth-largest economy in Asia—also experienced prolonged drought last year that struck the coastal city of Gangneung. The drought forced authorities to implement water restrictions, including shutting off 75 percent of household meters across the city. South Korea recorded its hottest summer in history last year, while North Korea also experienced its hottest June. Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent and intense. Experts also say the seasonal El Niño weather phenomenon is likely to return this year. This weather pattern can bring heat, drought, and heavy rain to various parts of Asia.