North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un reportedly lined up 30 government officials last month and executed them simultaneously for failing to prevent floods. The Chagang Province was hit by heavy rains and floods in July, leading to over 1,000 deaths and widespread homelessness.
South Korea’s Chosun TV reported citing a North Korean official that Kim ordered ‘strict punishment’ for those who were responsible for the ‘unacceptable loss.’ The report also claimed about 20-30 officials were executed from the flood-affected areas.
“It has been determined that 20 to 30 cadres in the flood-stricken area were executed at the same time late last month,” the official was quoted as saying.
WION can’t independently verify the authenticity of these claims.
Earlier, the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un had directed authorities in an emergency Politburo meeting to “strictly punish” those who he said neglected their responsibilities for disaster prevention and caused “even the casualty that can not be allowed.”
Reports say he also opened an investigation into the actions of Chagang Province Party secretary Kang Bong-hoon. He is believed to have accompanied Kim to several flood sites for inspection.
Chosun TV quoted former North Korean diplomat Lee Il-gyu as saying that the meeting with Kim left provincial officials “so anxious that they don’t know when their necks will fall off.”
According to estimates made by South Korean media, more than 1,000 people died in heavy rains in North Korea. Additionally, 4,100 houses and 7,410 acres of agricultural land were flooded, leading to massive distress among people. Several roads, buildings, structures and railways also sustained severe damage in the northwestern city of Sinuiju and the neighbouring town of Uiju.
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It’s not uncommon for the North Korean dictator to issue such orders against officials for their alleged failures.
Back in 2019, he ordered the execution of his nuclear envoy Kim Hyok Chol for failing to arrange a summit between Kim and then-US President Donald Trump.
(With inputs from agencies)