North Korea has reportedly executed up to 30 officials for failing to address the aftermath of severe flooding that devastated the country last month, according to a report from The Independent.
The catastrophic floods, which struck Chagang province in July, resulted in over 4,000 deaths and displaced over 15,000 people. The officials were charged with corruption and negligence, the report indicates.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly demanded “strict punishment” for those deemed responsible, as reported by the “North Korean Central News Agency.” An unnamed source within the Kim regime disclosed to “TV Chosun” that the executions occurred late last month.
The flooding, which ravaged the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighboring Uiju region, destroyed over 4,100 homes and 7,410 acres of farmland and severely damaged infrastructure including roads, buildings, and railway lines.
In the wake of the floods, Kim Jong-un rejected international aid and instructed officials to relocate thousands of displaced residents to the capital, Pyongyang. The capital city is expected to offer better care and support during the recovery period, which is anticipated to last two to three months.
The government plans to house nearly 15,400 displaced individuals in facilities within Pyongyang.
In addition, Kim Jong-un dismissed Kang Bong-hoon from his role as the Secretary of the Chagang provincial party committee.
North Korea has a history of public executions. Before COVID-19, estimations predicted 10 executions happened each year. Reports suggest that this number has since risen to around 100 or more