OUR RELIEF TRIPS
The DPRK is extremely susceptible to the drastic effects of climate change; North Korea has experienced an increase in the frequency and duration of heavy rains in recent years, contributing to recurrent floods. Major floods have hit every year from 2010 to 2016, with some 600,000 people affected and almost 70,000 displaced by large-scale flooding in North Hamgyong Province in 2016. These floods, combined with landslides, cause extensive damage to agricultural production, further exacerbating food insecurity and creating new humanitarian needs.
The last environmental disaster in 2017, was declared a national emergency following a dry spell of key food producing provinces in the southwest of the country. In 2018, heat waves in July and August continued to spread across the country, followed by major floods later in August. Growing unpredictability of precipitation continued to occur in the winter and spring, with below-average rainfall contributing to additional food insecurity in 2019. These large scale environmental events continue to inflict harm on women and children in the DPRK, seeking essential support alongside deteriorating pre-existing conditions.
First Steps continues to urgently respond to critical disaster situations in North Korea with relief goods, which go beyond soybeans and sprinkles. Our aim is to counter dire situations with our resources, saving lives and restoring significant damage. We have promptly delivered food, medicine, and have completed restoration projects for damaged homes, schools, and buildings.
RECENT UPDATES
FIRST STEPS RETURNS TO YONSA COUNTY
JUNE 2017
In June 2017 a First Steps team visited Yonsa county to confirm the delivery of 17,000 square metres of corrugated steel roofing and receive feedback on the nutritious food supplies and micronutrient Sprinkles delivered previously. The roofing was used to complete the building of daycares, kindergartens, schools, clinics, and homes in Yonsa county.
FIRST STEPS GOES TO YONSA
AUGUST 2016
In late August 2016, Typhoon Lionrock inflicted flooding and landslides not seen in North Korea since 1945. Nature's assault washed away homes, schools, and clinics while damaging crops, bridges, roads, and rail lines in Hamgyong Province, the northeastern part of the country. The widespread devastation left more than 100,000 people homeless and deprived them of all their belongings.
A First Steps team visited the region within weeks of the disaster and confirmed the seriousness of the devastation and the grave urgency to attend to the needs of the most vulnerable people living there. First Steps responded immediately by delivering 25 metric tonnes of food, as well as 300,000 sachets of micronutrient Sprinkles and essential medicines for babies and pregnant women.
