North Korean embassies in several countries have abruptly canceled events to celebrate the anniversary of the country’s founding on Sept. 9, citing the need to focus resources on flood recovery efforts, according to emails seen by NK News.

In messages to prospective attendees, DPRK diplomats said the receptions scheduled for early September will not take place as planned as the government addresses the fallout from heavy rains that battered the country’s northwest in late July.

One North Korean embassy in Europe informed invitees that it was calling off an event this year as part of nationwide efforts to stabilize