North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is reported to have executed at least 30 officials for their failure to prevent the catastrophic summer floods that resulted in thousands of deaths. The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed that Kim ordered “strict punishment” for the officials responsible.
According to South Korea’s TV Chosun, Kim may have ordered the executions of these officials last month, blaming them for their inability to mitigate the impact of the floods. The report states that 20 to 30 officials in the flood-affected areas were executed simultaneously late last month.
Though details are difficult to verify due to North Korea’s secrecy, KCNA reported that Kim directed authorities to enforce severe punishment in response to the flooding in Chagang Province, near the Chinese border, which occurred in July. North Korean state media reported that heavy rains in late July caused extensive flooding, affecting over 4,000 homes and damaging numerous public buildings, roads, and railways in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the nearby town of Uiju. Kim has held public officials accountable for the casualties, accusing them of neglecting disaster prevention measures.
Despite offers of aid from China, Russia, and South Korea, North Korea has refused assistance, amid ongoing high tensions between the two Koreas. During a two-day visit to Uiju in early August, Kim met with flood victims and discussed recovery efforts.
