North Korea braces for Typhoon Bavi, issues maximum vigilance warning

North Korea has issued warnings of heavy rain and strong winds as Typhoon Bavi approaches the Korean Peninsula, with leader Kim Jong Un calling for "maximum vigilance" to minimise damage.

According to North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper, the typhoon is expected to weaken into a low-pressure system before crossing the country's central region through the Yellow Sea between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The country's weather agency has warned of intense rainfall and strong winds as the storm moves closer.

Kim urged authorities to prepare for the severe weather, with all officials and workers "urged to remain on maximum vigilance and take steps to minimise damage," according to the newspaper.

Rodong Sinmun forecast 80-120 millimetres (3.1-4.7 inches) of rain across parts of North Korea's northern and central regions on Tuesday, with rainfall rates reaching 30-60 millimetres per hour in some areas.

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Southern regions are expected to receive between 150 and 200 millimetres of rain. Winds of 10-15 metres per second are also forecast along the west coast and in several inland areas.

North Korea has intensified its disaster preparedness measures in recent days, with the Korean Central News Agency reporting last week that authorities were strengthening prevention efforts ahead of the storm.

Chaos in South Korea

The warning comes as neighbouring South Korea continues to grapple with severe weather. Recent heavy rains dumped up to 200 millimetres of rainfall in some areas, forcing hundreds of residents in the central Chungcheong province to evacuate or leaving them stranded by floodwaters.

A man in his 70s was reported missing after being swept away by a swollen river in the southern Gyeongsang region, according to broadcaster KBS.

South Korea's weather agency has forecast more rain across the country through Wednesday, with the heaviest downpours expected in central regions and the southern province of Jeolla.

Scientists have warned that climate change is increasing the frequency, duration and intensity of extreme weather events. Last summer was South Korea's hottest on record, while both North and South Korea experienced their warmest June this year.

The return of El Niño, a natural warming of Pacific Ocean waters associated with heatwaves, droughts and heavy rainfall across parts of Asia, has further heightened weather risks in the region.

North Korea remains particularly vulnerable to natural disasters due to its ageing infrastructure, weak economy and chronic electricity shortages, with experts noting that many residents lack access to air conditioning.

The country experienced severe flooding in its northern regions in 2024. At the time, South Korean media reported that up to 1,500 people may have been killed or gone missing, although Pyongyang rejected those estimates.