North Korean streets flooded as heavy rains exacerbate economic crisis

FILE PHOTO: Buildings in North Korea's Sinuiju are seen behind the Friendship Bridge over the Yalu river, during sunrise in Dandong, Liaoning province, China April 20, 2021. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

North Korean towns along the border with China were flooded this week after heavy rain, threatening to exacerbate an already critical food and economic situation in the country.

North Korea state broadcasters said the city of Sinuiju had reported its heaviest rainfall of the year on Thursday, with at least 132.5 mm (5.2 inches) of rain by 4 p.m.