North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may have ordered the execution of at least thirty government officials last month. The officials were allegedly punished for their inability to prevent the devastating floods that occurred over the summer, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people, according to a report from South Korea’s TV Chosun.
“Twenty to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month,” the report quoted an official as saying.
Although the details could not be verified due to North Korea’s extreme secrecy, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim had instructed authorities to “strictly punish” the officials following the catastrophic floods in the Chagang Province, near the Chinese border, in July.
North Korean state media reported that heavy rains in late July caused flooding in more than 4,000 homes and numerous public buildings, structures, roads, and railways in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighboring town of Uiju. Kim held public officials responsible for the casualties, accusing them of neglecting disaster prevention measures.
Despite offers of aid from China, Russia, and even South Korea, the North has refused assistance, with tensions between the two Koreas remaining at an all-time high. During a two-day tour of Uiju in early August, Kim met with flood victims and discussed recovery efforts.