North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has visited flood-affected regions in the country, pledging swift action to rebuild homes and infrastructure. The visit comes after record rainfall in late July caused widespread devastation, claiming an unspecified number of lives and displacing thousands of residents.
The torrential downpours inundated homes and vast swaths of farmland in the country’s northern regions bordering China. In the wake of the disaster, thousands of displaced flood victims were relocated to facilities in the capital, Pyongyang, while efforts to rebuild their homes commenced.
During his visit to a construction site, Kim ordered workers to prioritize the relief of flood victims, stating, “We must alleviate their pain as early as possible.” Images released by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) depict Kim walking through the muddy site and discussing rebuilding plans with officials. This marks Kim’s third visit to the flood-hit areas, with previous appearances showcasing him engaging with affected families, inspecting damage from a dinghy, and even driving through floodwaters in his luxurious vehicle.
Since news of the devastating floods emerged, offers of support have poured in from various countries, including South Korea, which extended aid via the Korean Red Cross despite strained relations between the two Koreas. Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered “immediate humanitarian support” to aid North Korea’s recovery efforts.
However, Kim has expressed gratitude for the offers of assistance but has refused to accept any foreign aid, emphasizing the country’s commitment to self-reliance in its rebuilding efforts. According to KCNA, Kim declared that the recovery process would be “thoroughly based on self-reliance.”
The North Korean leader’s emphasis on self-reliance amidst the devastating floods highlights the country’s isolationist policies and its reluctance to accept international aid, even in times of crisis. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by North Korea in managing natural disasters and its dependence on internal resources for recovery.
