Seoul, Aug 14: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to relocate thousands of flood victims to the capital, Pyongyang, as the country faces severe damage from recent floods. Kim’s decision underscores the North’s refusal to seek international assistance despite offers from traditional allies and humanitarian organizations.
Kim, during a visit to the flood-affected town of Uiju, stated that it would take approximately two to three months to rebuild homes and stabilize the affected areas. In the interim, the government will accommodate around 15,400 displaced individuals, including vulnerable groups such as mothers, children, elderly, and disabled soldiers, in Pyongyang.
The floods, caused by heavy rains in late July, have ravaged the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighboring town of Uiju, resulting in the inundation of 4,100 houses, 7,410 acres of farmland, and significant damage to infrastructure. While North Korea has not released specific figures on casualties, Kim has attributed the disaster to negligence by public officials.
State media praised Kim’s leadership during his two-day visit, calling it an example of his “sacred leadership” and “warm love” for the people. Despite offers from Russia, China, and international aid groups to provide relief supplies, North Korea has not publicly expressed a need for external help. Kim reiterated the country’s commitment to self-reliance and self-sufficiency, stating that international assistance would only be considered if necessary.
The North’s stance extends to its neighbor, South Korea, which has also offered aid. Tensions between the two Koreas remain high due to the North’s nuclear ambitions and the South’s military exercises with the U.S. and Japan. The North has previously rejected South Korean offers during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2022.
Kim has dismissed South Korean media reports that suggest the flood damage and casualties may be more severe than officially acknowledged. He labeled these reports as part of a “smear campaign” and “grave provocation” against his government.