North Korea drought mobilizes workers to fight drought, bans travel.
June 29 (UPI) — North Korea is struggling with a drought on a "daily basis," according to state media.
The state-controlled paper claimed a "powerful demonstration" of "solidarity among county residents" had yielded "continuous results" after they worked together to water the fields.
Official recognition of a severe drought comes at a time when sources in the country say authorities are restricting movement and forcing marketplaces to close early.
The ban on movement began in April, according to a source in North Korea’s Yanggang Province.
In June, the drought was used as an "excuse" to disallow movement, while in May "military tensions between North and South" was the reason cited for requiring ordinary North Koreans to not roam beyond their home base, Radio Free Asia reported Thursday.
"The inspection of lodging, the vetting of local residents, are happening without warning," the source said.
A source in the country’s Jagang Province said business hours at marketplaces are being restricted.
Stores are being allowed to stay open only from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. "People are facing difficulties in maintaining their livelihood," the source said.
One source in North Hamgyong Province said the area "didn’t have a single drop of rain," according to RFA.