North Korea has declared a state of emergency after record-breaking rainfall caused widespread flooding in the northwestern region, bordering China.
According to state media, thousands of people were stranded, and many were later rescued by airlift. Leader Kim Jong Un was photographed visiting the affected areas, a rare move that analysts say is an attempt to show the state’s ability to respond to disasters.
The flooding has damaged farmland and homes in Sinuiju city and Uiju county, exacerbating existing issues like food scarcity and poor infrastructure.
The secretive state has been relatively open about the disaster, with state media reporting on the rescue efforts and Kim’s involvement.
However, the report did not mention any casualty figures.
Analysts note that the rescue efforts appear to be more extensive than in previous disasters, possibly due to North Korea’s strengthened relationships with China and Russia.
Flooding is a recurring issue in North Korea, made worse by deforestation and the country’s mountainous terrain. The disaster’s impact on the already struggling agricultural sector and the country’s economy is a concern.
