North Korean leader revisits flooded area, plans to relocate 15,400 people to capital
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has revisited flooded areas in the north of the country, declaring government plans to support those affected by recent heavy rainfall and floods from Tropical Storm Gaemi.
State media KCNA said on Saturday that from Aug. 8 to Aug. 9 Kim had revisited Uiju County, one of the affected areas by heavy rain.
KCNA said Kim’s plans for reducing the people’s suffering in the area included relocating some 15,400 people affected by the flood to the country’s capital until their new homes are built by the government in the affected areas.
The plans announced by Kim included providing support for soldiers, elderly people, women and children in the meantime.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has accused South Korean media outlets of launching a smear campaign over the recent flood damage.
Kim said it would take at least two to three months for flood victims to stabilize their lives after the construction of houses and repair work is done due to the large scale of the damage.
Last week, North Korea announced that thousands of homes in Uiju County and the city of Sinuiju had been affected by the flood.
In late July, Kim visited the flooded areas and inspected rescue works where the military organized around 10 planes to make roughly 20 trips each to rescue 4,200 people within about a half-day after the region had been
In early August, Russian President Vladimir Putin and international organizations offered humanitarian aid to North Korea.
Kim gave thanks for the offer but said since his government had already started the recovery work and the nation will “forge its own path with its own strength and effort.”
However, he added that he would ask for help “if aid is necessary.”
