Kim Jong-un oversees rescue operations amid severe flooding in North Korea

(MENAFN) More than 5,000 people stranded by floods in northwestern North Korea have been rescued through airlifts and other evacuation efforts personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, as reported on Monday. The flooding was caused by heavy rains on Saturday, which led to a river on the North Korean-China border rising to dangerous levels, creating what the official news agency described as a "severe crisis."

In response to the emergency, ten military helicopters, along with naval and government boats, were deployed for evacuation operations in Sinuiju City and Uiju Town, areas severely affected by the flooding. Despite challenging weather conditions, all helicopters worked tirelessly to transport residents, successfully rescuing 4,200 individuals by airlift. The KCNA report did not mention any casualties or provide details on the extent of the damage caused by the floods but emphasized the efforts made under adverse conditions to save lives.

Kim Jong Un personally supervised the evacuation efforts on Sunday, directing the provision of food and other essential supplies to those affected and outlining tasks for recovery and relief operations. During his visit to the flooded areas over the weekend, Kim criticized some officials for their lack of diligence, despite having issued multiple directives to prevent flood damage. He expressed frustration with officials who, as reported by the Associated Press, exhibited defeatist attitudes towards natural disasters and relied on chance rather than proactive measures. Kim underscored that such irresponsible behavior from those responsible for ensuring public safety should not be tolerated. 

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