Kim Jong Un Reportedly Executes Dozens of Officials After Deadly North Korean Floods

According to a recent report by South Korea, Kim Jong Un could have ordered the execution of at least 30 officials after the devastating flooding that occurred over the summer and killed thousands.

According to South Korea’s TV Chosun, the North Korean authorities have sentenced 20-30 people to death for failing to stop deadly floods last month.

The outlet quoted an official as saying, “Twenty-three to thirty cadres were executed in the flood-stricken region at the same time last month.”

The North Korean Central News Agency, KCNA, reported that Kim had ordered the authorities to “strictly” punish the officials following the devastating floods in Chagang Province near the China border, which occurred in July.

North Korean state-run media reported in late July that heavy rains had flooded more than 4,000 houses, as well as several public buildings, railways, roads, and other structures in the city of Sinuiju in the northwest and its neighboring town, Uiju.

Kim accused public officials of causing “the fatality that cannot be tolerated” by neglecting disaster prevention.

China, Russia, and South Korea have all offered aid to the North, but it has been rejected. Tensions between North Korea and South Korea remain high.

Kim visited Uiju for two days in early August, to meet with flood victims and talk about recovery efforts. Kim, who was on tour in Uiju, was quoted by KCNA accusing the South of exaggerating flood damage, and calling it a “smear” campaign.