DPRK hit by worst drought in 100 years
Updated: 2015-06-18 16:21
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
Kim Jong Un visits Farm No. 1116, under KPA (Korean People's Army) Unit 810, in this undated file photo released by the DPRK's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on June 1, 2015. [Photo/Agencies] |
PYONGYANG - The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is suffering from the worst drought in a century, which has caused huge damage to its agricultural production, the country's official news agency KCNA has reported on Tuesday.
The state media said that rice growing was finished in more than 441,560 hectares across the country by June 8, but at least 136,200 hectares of them are "parching up."
It said nearly 80 percent and 58 percent of rice seedlings respectively in South and North Hwanghae provinces have dried up due to lack of rainfall.
"Badly damaged" areas include North and South Hwanghae provinces, South Pyongan province and South Hamgyong province, which the KCNA said are "granaries," indicating the drought has a severe impact on crop production.
The KCNA said that the water levels of reservoirs are at their lowest and rivers are getting dry, adding that besides rice, corn has also been affected by the drought.
Other crops are being planted instead to relieve the damage, it said.
Last year, the DPRK was also hit by severe drought, but officials said food production still increased by 48,700 tons compared to 2013 despite the water shortage.
Related Stories
ROK calls for dialogue with DPRK without preconditions 2015-06-16 09:08
China urges restraint over DPRK test-fired missiles 2015-06-15 19:16
DPRK fires 3 short-range missiles into eastern waters: Yonhap 2015-06-14 17:46
Top DPRK leader greets Russia on National Day 2015-06-12 11:00
Soldiers kill suspected DPRK border-crosser 2015-06-12 07:31
Today's Top News
HK lawmakers reject election reform proposal
Lies and false hopes entrap Xinjiangers
EU seeks to ban animal cloning
European panda fans travel to Sichuan, China
Huawei committed to UK expansion
Europe on alarm after first MERS death in Germany
Vote to begin on Hong Kong's election reform
Greek PM tears into lenders as euro zone prepares for 'Grexit'
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Premier Li embarks on Latin America visit |
What do we know about AIIB |
Full coverage of Boao Forum for Asia |
Annual legislative and political advisory sessions |
Festival Special: Apps that make holiday shopping easier |
Listed firms caught in anti-corruption net |