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Source: OCHA DPRK (form the Humanitarian Coordinator)
Date: 24 April 2004

24 April 2004

RYONGCHON EXPLOSION: INITIAL INTERNATIONAL ASSESSMENT HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR FURTHER ASSISTANCE

PYONGYANG - A joint United Nations, Red Cross and NGO mission travelled on Saturday, 24 April, to Ryongchon township with DPRK government officials to conduct a preliminary assessment.

The blast was caused by a shunting accident that led to an explosion of wagons containing ammonium nitrate and containers of fuel oil, according to local officials.

The casualty figures provided by the government are as follows: 154 dead, including 76 children; five persons missing; and 1,300 injured, of whom 370 are hospitalised in Sinuiju city.

The explosion occurred just after midday on Thursday as children were leaving a nearby school and going home for lunch.

There has been very extensive damage to property: 1,850 homes and a large number of public buildings, including schools and offices, have been destroyed or damaged. This represents up to 40 per cent of the area of the township.

Homeless families have lost their stocks of food. The township is now without a functioning hospital or school.  Water and power supplies have been severely disrupted.

Those rendered homeless have been provided shelter in the locality with friends and relatives and in undamaged public buildings.

There appears to be no requirement for additional search and rescue facilities.

The railway line has been restored.

The needs of persons hospitalised will be further assessed in the coming days.

The joint mission delivered medical supplies. The national Red Cross provided blankets and kitchen utensils and other relief items.

Emergency food assistance is being supplied by German AgroAction and the World Food Programme.

Rehabilitation and reconstruction is a high priority for the local authorities and international agencies.

While the immediate needs are being addressed, there will be significant relief and rehabilitation requirements in the coming weeks and months.

"Access to those in need has long been an issue in North Korea. Today's mission is a very encouraging example of prompt and open access", said Masood Hyder, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in the DPRK.  

A situation report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs will be issued shortly and available at http://www.reliefweb.int