Reports have emerged indicating that the flood damage near the Yalu River in North Korea a month ago was far more severe than initially believed. In response, the North Korean government reportedly executed 20 to 30 officials, holding them responsible for failing to prevent the disaster.
Among those executed, there are indications that a high-ranking provincial official, equivalent to a governor, was included, according to a report by TV Chosun on September 3.
Following the floods, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Sinuiju in North Pyongan Province, near the mouth of the Yalu River, to oversee rescue operations. However, reports suggest that the actual damage was much more extensive in Jagang Province, located upstream.
A South Korean government official stated, “As the waters recede and recovery operations continue, more bodies are being discovered. The death toll in Jagang Province alone is estimated to be between 3,500 and 4,000.”
The situation is further compounded by landslides in mountainous areas and the recent outbreak of an epidemic, raising concerns about additional casualties.
After the floods, Kim Jong-un held an emergency meeting on his private train, during which he dismissed the Party Secretary of Jagang Province, Kang Bong-hoon, who is comparable to a governor, as well as the Minister of Social Security, who holds a position equivalent to the Chief of Police.
A government official told TV Chosun, “It has been determined that 20 to 30 officials from the flood-affected region were executed at the end of last month. There are indications that the dismissed Kang Bong-hoon was among those executed, and we are currently verifying this information.”
The Party Secretary of Jagang Province, responsible for an area densely populated with military facilities, has traditionally been a military expert within the Party’s top 30 ranks. Kang Bong-hoon was a former Deputy Director of the Munitions Industry Department and had accompanied Kim Jong-un on site visits.
It is reported that, in addition to holding them accountable for the flood damage, the North Korean authorities also charged these officials with corruption and negligence.
Analysts suggest that the North Korean regime is attempting to control the growing discontent in border areas by tightening its grip through fear and repression.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
