Coal Mines Damaged by Heavy Rain

Pyongyang, July 21 (KCNA) -- Coal mines in the DPRK suffered damage from heavy rainfalls that hit the country from July 12 to 15.
Tens of pits and some 150 cutting faces of over 30 coal mines in the western part of the country were submerged. And hundreds of thousands of tons of coal were washed away from some 40 coal yards.
Bridges were destroyed and railways wrecked by landslides in Sunchon, Tokchon and Pukchang, causing obstacle to coal transport in the areas.
Production has been suspended in coal mines belonging to the Hamnam and Chonnae area coal mining complexes with many pits and cutting faces inundated and pumping equipment not working properly for electricity shortage.
The recent downpours seriously affected the coal output and transport and electricity production of the country.