Kim Jong Un denounces S. Korea media over 'false' flood damage reports

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
3 Aug 2024 08:03

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un has accused South Korean media of spreading false rumors about flood damage and casualties in the DPRK, state media reported

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In this photo provided by the DPRK government, DPRK leader Kim Jong Un delivers a speech during a year-end plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party, which was held between December 26-30, 2023, in Pyongyang, DPRK. (AP)

DPRK leader Kim Jong Un has accused South Korean media of spreading false rumors about flood damage and casualties in DPRK, according to state media.

This accusation follows Seoul's offer of humanitarian aid in response to reports suggesting the death toll from the floods could be as high as 1,500.

TV Chosun and other outlets also reported the potential deaths of rescue workers in helicopter crashes. Kim slammed these reports as false and said they are aimed at tarnishing DPRK's image.

Kim "bitterly censured the inveterate habits and despicable nature of the ROK scum," in reference to South Korea, KCNA said Saturday.

The DPRK leader described the flooding reports as a South Korean "smear campaign" aimed at disgracing DPRK.

Pyongyang affirmed that there were no casualties in Sinuiju, the area reportedly most affected by the floods, stating that DPRK's Air Force rescued over 5,000 people, with around 4,200 of them saved by helicopter "within a few hours."

Over 200 dead in Asia from rain-related disasters in one week

In the past week, torrential rains in India and China have resulted in over 200 deaths, with an additional three fatalities reported in Pakistan. The DPRK, near the China border, has experienced widespread flooding, but there are no reports of casualties.

This period coincides with the monsoon and typhoon season in Asia, and climate change has intensified these storms. The heavy rains have caused landslides and flooding, destroying homes, devastating crops, and resulting in numerous deaths.

In DPRK, the flooding affected 4,100 houses, 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres) of farmland, and numerous public buildings, roads, and railways.

While state media did not report on casualties, leader Kim Jong Un suggested there were deaths, criticizing public officials for neglecting disaster prevention and causing “unacceptable casualties".

Military helicopters, navy vessels, and other government boats were used to evacuate stranded residents. State TV broadcast footage of Kim Jong Un and other officials inspecting the damage in rubber boats, revealing houses submerged in muddy water with only their roofs visible.

In China, state television showed excavators working in rushing water to clear debris from a mudslide in Jilin province. A city near DPRK advised residents living below the third floor to move to higher ground as the Yalu River rose.