Date of publication: 19.10.2011
Prepared by: ACAPS, Geneva
Nature of the crisis: Food Security Crisis
About this document: This Secondary Data Review is a desk study in which estimates of scale, severity and likely impact of a natural or man-induced disaster are determined. The document aims to inform decision making for preparedness and emergency response. Information has been gathered through a review of secondary data, assessments on-going during the emergency, contact with individuals working in the field, use of lessons learned and experience from past similar crises or disasters. The SDR is intended to complement and integrate assessment-related information from other agencies and feedback is welcome on how this document can be improved (Operations@acaps.org). ACAPS thank agencies and NGOs who have shared the data and analysis which made this report possible. Disclaimer: Information provided is provisional as it has not been possible to independently verify all field reports. As the document covers dynamic subject, utility of the information may decrease with time. Please use the most recent update.
Disaster Overview
Heavy rains and extensive flooding have impacted DPRK’s main food producing provinces, escalating existing levels of chronic food insecurity and putting over 6 million North Koreans at risk of food shortages in 2011 and 2012. DPRK is a food insecure country which depends on bilateral food assistance and imports to address internal food production shortfalls. Increasing global food and fuel prices and reductions in the country’s export capacity are impairing bilateral food assistance (especially from South Korea) and have resulted in DPRK being unable to meet its’ population’s food demands without international humanitarian intervention. In July 2011, North Korea appealed directly to Thomson Reuters Foundation and its network of international relief agencies to help mobilise emergency aid to tackle severe food shortages (AlertNet 6/07). Alarming malnutrition rates especially among children <5 coupled with high incidence rates of water borne and respiratory diseases are exacerbating the effects of food insecurity for the most vulnerable groups in the country such as children, women and older persons. The continued lack of humanitarian access and provision of life saving food and services to specific regions and affected populations is increasing the vulnerability of already undernourished and food insecure North Koreans.