North Korean leader Kim executes 30 public officials over flood disaster

As North Korea attempts to heal the wounds of the flood disaster that occurred in July, a new claim has emerged from the South Korean press. According to reports based on intelligence sources, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un ordered the execution of approximately 30 public officials who were found to have been negligent in preventing the flood disaster. While it was reported that the death sentences handed down to the high-level officials, who were accused of corruption and dereliction of duty, were carried out last month, the identities of the officials in question were not disclosed.

As of July 27, North Korea was overwhelmed by heavy rainfall that affected regions near the country's border with China, and the flooding caused material damage in many areas.

'NO LOSS OF LIFE' HAD BEEN CLAIMED

While approximately 5 thousand people who were stranded were rescued through a military helicopter-supported operation, the North Korean administration had announced that there was no loss of life in the disaster. Despite this, it was reported that 4 thousand 100 homes and 3 thousand hectares of agricultural land were submerged.

Country leader Kim Jong-Un, meanwhile, blamed officials for not taking preventive measures following the disaster. Stating that he had warned the relevant state units many times before against disasters such as heavy rain, floods, and typhoons, Kim said, “However, the necessary importance has not yet been given to efforts aimed at preventing disasters caused by natural phenomena.

HE HAD ORDERED PUNISHMENT

The laziness and self-interest of officials in important positions have reached very serious dimensions,” he stated. Criticizing disaster response agencies for being dependent on the military's rescue operation, Kim had ordered the punishment of public officials who neglected their duties and failed to fulfill their responsibilities.