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North Korea Engages in Major Evacuation Efforts Following Severe Flooding

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — An extensive rescue operation has successfully evacuated over 5,000 individuals stranded by severe flooding in northwest North Korea, under the supervision of leader Kim Jong Un, as reported by state media on Monday.

Heavy rainfall on Saturday resulted in a river along the North Korean-Chinese border overflowing, leading to what state media characterized as “a grave crisis,” according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

In response to the flooding, approximately 10 military helicopters, along with navy and government vessels, were deployed in the Sinuiju city and Uiju town areas to assist in evacuating trapped residents.

Although KCNA did not disclose any fatalities or specific damages caused by the flooding, it reported that each of the ten helicopters conducted multiple flights to airlift people despite challenging weather conditions, ultimately rescuing around 4,200 individuals through aerial operations.

During the rescue efforts, Kim was said to have ordered that provisions and other essential supplies be delivered to those affected. He also set forth directives for recovery and relief operations.

KCNA quoted Kim praising the evacuation efforts as “miraculous,” considering the number of lives saved in such a short period.

Summer floods are a recurring issue in North Korea, where inadequate drainage, widespread deforestation, and deteriorating infrastructure exacerbate agricultural damage. Notably, past typhoons and heavy rains in 2020 have been cited as contributing factors to the country’s continuing struggles, which have been compounded by strict pandemic-related limitations and U.N. sanctions linked to its nuclear program.

During his visit to the affected areas, Kim also admonished local officials for not taking sufficient preventative measures against floods, a directive he claimed to have issued multiple times in the past.

“They are seized with defeatism in the face of nature and do not effectively engage in disaster prevention, merely waiting for favorable conditions,” he remarked, as reported by KCNA.

Kim emphasized the need for accountability among those responsible for public safety, criticizing the North’s emergency response agency and Ministry of Public Security for not having accurate data on the population in the affected regions, which resulted in a higher than expected number of rescues.

Analysts suggest that Kim’s comments could reflect an attempt to redirect criticism onto his subordinates while simultaneously portraying himself as a benevolent leader amid the ongoing economic challenges and international isolation faced by North Korea.

Source
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