Up to 1,500 dead in floods in North Korea
In the severe flooding in North Korea, South Korean media reports suggest there may have been up to 1,500 fatalities. The number of dead and missing people is estimated at 1,100 to 1,500, according to broadcaster Chosun, citing government sources.
The government in Seoul remained cautious, officially stating only about the isolated neighbor: "Heavy rainfall has caused a significant number of casualties." North Korea had experienced record-breaking rainfall in recent weeks.
Videos released this week showed leader Kim Jong Un traveling through flooded areas in a rubber boat and overseeing rescue operations with military helicopters, according to Pyongyang. However, North Korean state media did not report any deaths. Previously, Kim had criticized officials for failing to prepare for the rain, according to state news agency KCNA.
Although the South Korean government has confirmed casualties, the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, assured his people during his flood inspections, saying, "We will meet again, see you in better times." After expressing concerns about the preparedness of officials, Kim has now focused on the recovery efforts and rebuilding processes in the affected areas.
