Kim Jong Un leads rescue effort as boat collision highlights flood crisis
State media in North Korea showed Kim Jong Un leading a humanitarian aid operation in flood-stricken areas. At one point, the leader's inflatable boat hit a tree.
North Korea is grappling with a massive flood that has destroyed thousands of homes and caused extensive damage to agricultural land. Pyongyang refuses international aid and does not allow humanitarian assistance to be provided in the country.
North Korean state media released a video of Kim Jong Un supervising the rescue operation in the flood-affected areas. In the footage, we see Kim, with the help of bystanders, taking his place in the inflatable boat as it travels through the flooded areas.
During this expedition, an incident occurred. At one point, the boat collided with a tree. The incident affected Kim Jong Un's hairstyle, but he continued his "mission" undeterred.
Flood in North Korea
North Korean state media did not disclose details regarding the casualties and material damage caused by the recent heavy rains.
Meanwhile, the South Korean agency Yonhap reported that Kim Jong Un had strongly criticised his officials for failing to prevent the disaster's effects, even though he had personally ordered measures to handle natural disasters.
South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Koo Byong Sam noted that the North Korean media's report, which typically does not cover disasters, aims to present Kim Jong Un as a leader who cares about the people and emphasises the country's systemic crisis management capabilities.
