SEOUL (29) — Over 5,000 people stranded by severe flooding in northwest North Korea have been rescued in a large-scale evacuation operation supervised by leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media.
Heavy rains on Saturday caused a river along the North Korean-Chinese border to exceed dangerous levels, leading to a “grave crisis,” reported the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The flooding primarily affected Sinuiju city and Uiju town, isolating residents and prompting a significant response from the North Korean military and government.
Approximately 10 military helicopters, along with navy and government boats, were deployed to facilitate the evacuations. Despite challenging weather conditions, the helicopters completed multiple flights, rescuing around 4,200 people by air. KCNA did not report any deaths or quantify the damage caused by the flooding.
Kim Jong Un, who oversaw the rescue operations on Sunday, praised the efforts as “miraculous.” He ordered the provision of food and necessities to those affected and set tasks for ongoing recovery and relief work. Kim’s guidance and orders were depicted as a sign of his commitment to addressing the crisis and aiding his people.
The floods have caused significant challenges in North Korea, exacerbating existing issues like poor drainage, deforestation, and dilapidated infrastructure. The country has faced repeated hardships from typhoons and heavy rains, along with the economic impact of pandemic-related restrictions and international sanctions.
During his visit, Kim criticized officials for their inadequate disaster prevention efforts, suggesting that their defeatism had hampered effective flood management. He emphasized the need for more proactive disaster preparedness and recovery measures.
Observers suggest that Kim’s public criticism may serve as an attempt to shift blame while reinforcing his image as a leader dedicated to his people’s welfare amid ongoing economic and international challenges.
