North Korea relocates over 15,000 flood victims to the capital

In this photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech while visiting a flood-affected area in Uiju, North Korea’s Phyongan Province.

Bild: Uncredited/KCNA via KNS/AP

After severe flooding in the border region with China, North Korea has decided not to seek foreign assistance. As reported by the state news agency KCNA on Saturday, Kim Jong Un stated that over 15,000 flood victims would be relocated to the capital, Pyongyang, for care.

No time? blue News summarizes for you

  • Following severe storms with torrential rain and flooding, North Korea is relocating thousands of flood victims from rural areas to the capital, according to media reports.
  • More than 15,000 people are being accommodated in Pyongyang, as reported by KCNA on Saturday.
  • Kim Jong Un has rejected any aid from abroad.

It is estimated that it will take about two to three months to rebuild houses and stabilize the areas affected by the floods.

According to KCNA, Kim made these remarks during a two-day visit to the northwestern city of Uiju, where he met with flood victims and discussed reconstruction efforts. The agency notably praised Kim, stating that his visit showcased his “sacred leadership” and “warm love and ennobling spirit of dedicated service to the people.”

No information on the number of fatalities

State media reports indicate that heavy rainfall in late July led to flooding in the city of Sinuiju and nearby Uiju, affecting 4,100 houses, 7,410 hectares of agricultural land, and numerous public buildings, roads, and railway lines. Authorities have not disclosed the number of fatalities, but Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying that officials who neglected disaster prevention contributed to the casualties.

Russia and China, along with international aid organizations, have offered assistance to North Korea. However, Kim has declined this help, stating that the country will address its challenges independently.

Kim Jong Un Visits Flood-Affected Areas in North Korea: The Response to Recent Disasters

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech while visiting a flood-affected area in Uiju, North Korea's Phyongan Province.
In this photo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech while visiting a flood-affected area in Uiju, North Korea’s Phyongan Province.

Bild: Uncredited/KCNA via KNS/AP

After severe flooding in the border region with China, North Korea will not seek foreign aid. According to a report by the state news agency KCNA on Saturday, North Korea’s ruler Kim Jong Un stated that more than 15,000 flood victims would be relocated to the capital, Pyongyang, for assistance.

No time? blue News summarizes for you

  • After the severe storms with torrential rain and flooding, North Korea is bringing thousands of flood victims from the countryside to the capital, according to a media report.
  • More than 15,000 individuals would be housed in Pyongyang, as reported by the state news agency KCNA.
  • Ruler Kim Jong Un has rejected any foreign assistance.

Reconstruction efforts are anticipated to last two to three months to rebuild homes and stabilize the areas impacted by the floods.

Kim made these comments during a two-day visit to the northwestern city of Uiju, where he engaged with flood victims and discussed rebuilding efforts. The KCNA described his visit as a demonstration of his “sacred leadership” and “warm love and ennobling spirit of dedicated service to the people.”

Details of the Flooding Incident

Heavy rains in late July resulted in flooding in the city of Sinuiju and surrounding areas, affecting a significant portion of the local infrastructure:

Impact on Infrastructure Data
Houses Flooded 4,100
Agricultural Land Affected 7,410 hectares
Additional Public Infrastructure Roads, railway lines, and various public buildings

While authorities have refrained from disclosing the number of fatalities, Kim Jong Un attributed the casualties to government officials’ negligence in disaster prevention measures.

International Response and Aid Offers

Russia and China, along with various international aid organizations, have extended offers to provide assistance to North Korea. However, Kim Jong Un has firmly declined these offers. He stated that the nation would independently address the consequences of this disaster.

The Humanitarian Aspect

The flooding has not only displaced thousands but also created an ongoing humanitarian crisis within the affected regions. By relocating affected individuals to Pyongyang, the government aims to centrally manage the rehabilitation and recovery process. However, the decision to reject international aid raises questions about North Korea’s handling of such crises, especially considering the challenges the country faces in terms of resources and infrastructure.

Moving forward, it will be crucial for the leadership to balance national pride with the practical needs of flood victims and ensure their welfare during such trying times.

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