North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered the execution of at least 30 government officials in response to the devastating floods that swept through the country this summer, killing thousands, Fox News reports, citing a new report from South Korea.
South Korea’s TV Chosun reported on Tuesday that North Korean authorities sentenced between 20 and 30 individuals to capital punishment last month for their alleged failure to prevent the deadly flooding.
“Twenty to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month,” an unnamed official was quoted as telling the outlet.
While North Korea’s extreme secrecy makes it difficult to verify this information, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) had reported that Kim ordered authorities to “strictly punish” officials after the catastrophic floods hit the Chagang Province in July.
State media reported that heavy rains in late July caused extensive flooding in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighboring town of Uiju, leaving over 4,000 homes and numerous public buildings, structures, roads, and railways damaged.
Kim blamed the “casualty that cannot be allowed” on public officials who neglected disaster prevention measures. Despite the severity of the disaster, North Korea has rejected offers of aid from China, Russia, and even South Korea, with whom tensions remain at all-time highs.
In early August, Kim made a two-day tour of Uiju to meet with flood victims and discuss recovery efforts. During his visit, he accused the South of exaggerating the extent of the damage, claiming it was a “smear campaign” and a “grave provocation” against his government, according to KCNA.
