SEOUL: North Korea on Wednesday renewed its call for efforts to minimize potential damage from torrential downpours, urging party officials and residents to thoroughly prepare for it. North Korea is expected to be hit by heavy downpours Wednesday and Thursday, with up to 250 millimeters of rain expected in some areas, including the western province of Hwanghae, according to South Korea's weather agency. North Korea called on party officials to make all-out efforts to protect the people's lives and ensure safety, emphasizing that the country's economy could suffer if thorough preparations are not made, according to the Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper. "If even minor casualties occur, no party organization can claim to have fulfilled its responsibilities," the newspaper said. The newspaper also stressed the importance of strict discipline, ensuring that the interests of the state and people are not harmed due to the negligence of officials. North Korea is particularly vulnerable to natural disast ers due to its lack of infrastructure. In the past, heavy rains have displaced thousands of people in the impoverished country. North Korean media have recently been urging residents and party officials to take measures to brace for the rainy season. Source: Yonhap News Agency