Title: Extreme Weather Conditions Impact North Korea’s Infrastructure and Food Supply

North Korea is grappling with severe cold weather, resulting in a series of adverse effects on the nation’s infrastructure, according to reports from local residents received by Radio Free Asia. The harsh climatic conditions have compelled schools to temporarily cease operations, pushed hospitals to operate in crisis mode, and disrupted water supplies due to the freezing of pumps.

The freezing temperatures are expected to amplify the country’s existing food scarcity issues as greenhouses struggle to protect plants from the severe Siberian winters. Local residents report that temperatures have dropped below -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), a situation exacerbated by the nation’s fuel shortages and outdated machinery.

The severe cold has led to an extension of the winter break for middle and high schools, according to an anonymous source from the education sector in the northern province of Ryanggang. The source also revealed that select schools attended by children of government officials and elites are still operational, highlighting the disparity in the nation.

The situation is similar across other parts of the province as well, with the winter break extended till February 10th due to the harsh weather. If the cold continues, the break may be extended further until the 15th of February.

The impact of the severe cold is not only limited to the education sector but has also affected healthcare services. Hospitals are struggling with heating issues, leading to a reduction in their capacity to handle pediatrics, internal medicine, and surgery. Now, only emergency rooms are fully functional.

The water supply has also been severely affected, with two significant water pumps in Hyesan freezing, disrupting the water supply to a majority of households.

The agricultural sector is also feeling the brunt of the harsh weather, with greenhouses in Ryanggang and neighboring Chagang province reporting damage to their crops. The extreme cold has made it challenging to work outdoors, forcing farm workers to resort to measures like covering the greenhouse roof with straw and collecting firewood to avoid crop damage.

Despite these efforts, several farms have reported severe damage to potato seeds, a staple crop in the region. The lack of water services has forced farmers to carry water buckets, and the extreme cold has even led to diesel gasoline freezing, hampering the operation of farm vehicles.

The recent weather challenges in North Korea highlight the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness, particularly in the face of climate change. These issues will be key to ensuring the country’s ability to withstand future weather crises and maintain a stable food and water supply.