A photo released by the official North Korean Central News Agency shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspecting a flood-hit area in North Phyongan Province, North Korea, on July 28. - Photo: EPA-EFE
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un revisited a flooded area near the country’s border with China this week to address plans to support those affected by recent heavy rainfall and floods, including bringing about 15,400 people to the country’s capital until new homes are built, state media KCNA said on Saturday (Aug 10).
He made the Aug 8-9 trip to Uiju County, one of the affected areas, to offer additional support for those affected, the Korean Central News Agency reported.
Thousands of homes in North Korea’s city of Sinuiju and Uiju County were flooded due to heavy rainfall, North Korea said last week.
In late July, Kim visited flooded areas and inspected rescue works where the military organised around 10 planes to make roughly 20 trips each to rescue 4,200 people within about a half-day after the region had been hit by heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Gaemi.
KCNA said Kim addressed plans to provide state support for elderly people, soldiers, children and mothers in Pyongyang until their new homes are built, adding about 15,400 people could be brought to the capital.
He said it would take at least two to three months for flood victims to stabilise their lives after construction of houses and repair work is done due to the large scale of the damage.
He also thanked those countries and international organisations that have reached out to North Korea and showed intention to provide humanitarian support, but said the country will “forge its own path with its own strength and effort,” KCNA quoted Kim as saying.
On Aug 4, North Korea said Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered humanitarian aid to North Korea.
Kim gave thanks for the offer but said since his government has already taken measures to conduct recovery work, he would ask for help “if aid is necessary,” KCNA reported.
Last week, South Korea’s Red Cross said the South was ready to provide the North with relief supplies for damage caused by recent heavy rainfalls. - Reuters
