North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a flood-affected area near the country’s border with China this week, where he addressed plans to support those impacted by recent heavy rainfall and floods. According to state media KCNA, Kim’s visit to Uiju County, one of the affected areas, spanned Thursday and Friday, where he offered additional support to residents.
Heavy rainfall in North Korea last week led to widespread flooding, affecting thousands of homes in the city of Sinuiju and Uiju County. Kim had previously visited flood-affected areas in late July, inspecting rescue operations and organizing military efforts to rescue 4,200 people via 10 aircraft.
KCNA reported Kim’s plans to provide state support for elderly people, soldiers, children, and mothers in the capital Pyongyang until new homes are built. This includes relocating approximately 15,400 people to Pyongyang. He acknowledged the scale of the damage, stating that it could take at least two to three months for flood victims to stabilize their lives after construction and repair work is completed.
Kim also expressed gratitude to countries and international organizations that have offered humanitarian aid to North Korea. However, he stressed the nation’s commitment to self-reliance, stating that North Korea would “forge its own path with its own strength and effort,” as quoted by KCNA.
On Sunday, North Korea reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin offered humanitarian aid to the country. While thanking Putin for the offer, Kim stated that since his government had already initiated recovery efforts, he would request aid “if necessary,” according to KCNA. Last week, South Korea’s Red Cross announced their readiness to provide North Korea with relief supplies for the damage caused by the heavy rainfalls.
