North Korea braces for Typhoon Bavi's heavy rains and winds

North Korea is on high alert as Typhoon Bavi approaches, with President Kim Jong Un urging maximum vigilance to prevent damage. Although the state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported the typhoon is expected to weaken into a low-pressure system before crossing the central region, the country's state weather agency has issued warnings for heavy rain and strong winds through Wednesday.

Provinces such as North Phyongan and Jagang, along with parts of the central region, are bracing for rainfall between 80mm and 120mm on Tuesday. Heavier downpours of 150mm to 200mm are forecast for South and North Phyongan provinces and some southern areas. Strong winds of 10m to 15m per second are also anticipated along the west coast and inland.

North Korea's vulnerability to natural disasters is exacerbated by its weak infrastructure and economy. The return of El Nino this year further increases risks, as the phenomenon is linked to extreme weather events. The country, which downplayed estimates of thousands dead or missing after severe flooding in 2024, has ramped up disaster prevention efforts since last week.