Record-breaking rainfall over the weekend has led to severe flooding in North Korea, leaving thousands stranded and prompting leader Kim Jong Un to declare an 'emergency,' according to state media reports.
Heavy rains hit Sinuiju City and Uiju County, which are located near the border with China. Photographs show submerged farmland and homes, and while details are difficult to independently verify, state media reported that many people were rescued by airlift.
The flooding adds to existing challenges in North Korea, such as food shortages and poor infrastructure. The country, known for its secrecy regarding internal issues, has been unusually transparent about this crisis, with the official newspaper describing it as a "grave crisis." However, no casualty figures were provided. The report mentioned that over 4,200 residents were evacuated with the help of more than 10 planes making up to 20 round-trip flights.
An unusual aspect of the response was the sight of Kim Jong Un traveling through floodwaters in a black Lexus. This imagery is unprecedented, as previous disaster management in North Korea typically involved senior leaders in less publicized roles.
State media highlighted that Kim Jong Un personally directed the rescue efforts and declared parts of three provinces as "special disaster emergency zones." This visible involvement is intended to demonstrate that the state is capable of caring for its people. The scale of the rescue operations also appears to be more extensive compared to previous responses to disasters.
The increased resources for handling the crisis are attributed to North Korea's strengthened relations with China and Russia. These alliances have provided the country with additional support and resources.
Flooding is a common occurrence in North Korea due to seasonal rains and monsoons. The problem is exacerbated by deforestation in the mountainous regions, which further threatens the already limited agricultural sector.
North Korea remains one of the poorest countries in the world. While recent economic estimates are limited, the CIA World Factbook estimated its gross domestic product per capita to be around $1,700 in 2015. The actual economic situation remains unclear due to the country's opaque economy.
