North Korean leader Kim guides rescue operation for residents in flood-hit areas

WORLD, July 29 (YPA) – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, inspected areas affected by flooding near the Amnok River and guided an operation to rescue around 5000 isolated residents using military helicopters.

Kim visited flood-ravaged areas in Sinuiju City and Uiju County of North Phyongan Province on Sunday, after a record downpour hit the northern border of North Korea, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

More than 5,000 inhabitants were isolated in areas vulnerable to flooding in the North’s border city and the county, as the water level of the Amnok River, also known as the Yalu River, exceeded a dangerous level, the report said.

In accordance with Kim’s order, the Air Force mobilized its ten-odd helicopters to make more than 20 rounds of shuttle flights to rescue residents.

He “repeatedly stressed the need to rescue everyone. He also saw to it that reconnaissance flights were reorganized several times even in the areas where the rescue was completed,” the KCNA said.

Kim also criticized officials for failure to prevent damage from the latest heavy rains, even as he has ordered thorough measures to cope with natural disasters.

North Korea held a crisis response meeting on July 22 to discuss measures to minimize damage that natural disasters could cause to crops and other agricultural products.

@E.Y.M