North Korean Leader Visits Flood-Hit Area, Vows to Rebuild Without Foreign Aid
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has revisited a flood-hit area near the border with China, reiterating his government’s refusal to accept outside assistance for recovery efforts.
During his two-day visit to Uiju County in North Pyongan Province on Thursday and Friday, Kim inspected the damage firsthand, provided humanitarian aid, and issued instructions for rebuilding and developing the area, as well as preventing future disasters.
The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim ordered the removal of weak structures that accumulate water during rainfall and emphasized the need to consider the geography of the riverbank when designing new housing and infrastructure.
Kim also announced an “emergency system” to transport vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, disabled soldiers, and mothers, to the capital Pyongyang for temporary support until their homes are rebuilt. He estimated that approximately 15,400 people would be transported.
The North Korean leader criticized reports in South Korea claiming significant damage caused by floods, calling them “fabricated” and “politically motivated propaganda.” He emphasized that those affected by the floods are ”all fine and in good health.”
Kim’s visit comes after record-breaking torrential rains devastated areas near the Chinese border in late July. The floods caused widespread damage to farmland and homes.
The North Korean government has previously rejected offers of foreign aid for flood recovery, maintaining its policy of self-reliance.