Kim Jong Un Engages with Flood Victims Amid Recovery Efforts in North Korea

In a show of solidarity with flood victims, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un distributed cakes to children relocated due to severe flooding in the country. During his visit to a dining hall in Pyongyang, Kim interacted with hundreds of displaced children, sharing laughter and hugs as he handed out sweet treats. Approximately 13,000 individuals, including vulnerable groups such as children, pensioners, and disabled soldiers, are currently housed in temporary accommodations, including the April 25 Hotel and a military base. The flooding, which primarily affected the northwestern regions near the China border, has prompted the government to relocate over 15,000 victims to the capital. Despite international offers of assistance, Kim emphasized a recovery strategy rooted in self-reliance. He pledged to rebuild and modernize the devastated areas, particularly Sinuiju city and Uiju county, which experienced significant damage to homes and farmland due to heavy rains in late July. State media reported extensive destruction, with around 4,100 houses and over 7,400 acres of agricultural land affected. In response to the disaster, Kim convened a Politiburo meeting, where he called for accountability among officials responsible for disaster prevention. The meeting resulted in plans to construct 4,400 new homes and reinforce embankments in the hardest-hit regions. North Korea's vulnerability to flooding is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and environmental issues, making recovery efforts critical for the affected communities.