New report reveals 1 500 dead or missing in North Korean floods
Featured image: A flooded area in North Korea’s North Pyongan province on July 28, 2024. Credit: Korean Central News Agency (KCNA)
Floods that struck North Korea on July 27, 2024, have reportedly left around 1 500 people dead or missing, displaced 15 000, and damaged 2 800 ha (7 000 acres) of agricultural land.
Record rainfall caused severe flooding in North Korea on July 27, causing the water levels in the Amnok River to rise above danger levels.
Initial reports stated that the floods had isolated 5 000 people, all of whom were successfully rescued according to the state-run news agency KCNA. However, there was no mention of any casualties or injuries.
According to reports from the South Korean Intelligence Agency, at least 1 500 people were either dead or missing. Flooding and landslides caused by the rain displaced roughly 15 000 people, who received shelter in Pyongyang provided by the government.
Heavy rains had flooded 4 100 houses, more than 2 800 ha (7 000 acres) of agricultural land, and public property in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighboring Uiju, according to North Korean media.
The Yalu River, the border river between China and North Korea, has experienced a record flood, with the flow rate approaching 30,000 cubic meters per second! In the video shot in Dandong, China, the North Korean side has been completely submerged. pic.twitter.com/c66mcGcKcj
— Jim (@yangyubin1998) July 29, 2024
South Korean TV channel Chosun reported that 20 to 30 officials from the flood-affected area were executed simultaneously in late August for failing to prevent the disaster. South Korea’s spy agency stated that it had “detected signs” of the executions but did not provide details. These claims are yet to be confirmed.
References:
1 North Korea may have executed officials over flood response, reports say – The Guardian – September 5, 2024
2 South Korea Chosun TV: Kim Jong-Un Had 30 Officials Executed – Start News– September 4, 2024
3 Record flooding in Amnok (Yalu) River submerges North Korea-China border – The Watchers – July 29, 2024
Rishav Kothari is Editor-in-Chief of The Watchers, where he runs the newsroom and covers earthquakes, volcanoes, severe weather and space weather.
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