Pyongyang, September 4 (IANS). North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has once again issued a dictatorial decree. He has ordered the execution of 30 officials who failed to prevent floods and landslides.
Local media reported that one thousand people have died due to floods and landslides in the country.
North Korea’s TV Chosun quoted an official as saying that 20 to 30 officials have been sentenced to death for corruption and negligence at work.
The official told TV Chosun that 20 to 30 cadres were executed on the spot in a flood-hit area late last month.
Earlier, Kim Jong Un had ordered severe punishment of officials after floods and landslides led to a rise in the death toll and displaced more than 15,000 people, according to North Korea’s Central News Agency.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that heavy rains lashed Sinuiju and Uiju County in northern Phyongan Province, leaving 4,100 houses; 7,410 acres of farmland and many buildings, roads and railway tracks submerged.
South Korean media outlets reported that the number of people killed or missing as a result of the floods and landslides could exceed one thousand.
The Korean Central News Agency said that recently Kim Jong Un visited Uiju County to meet flood victims and provide aid. He condemned South Korean media reports of severe damage caused by floods in North Korea. Kim described these reports as fabricated and politically motivated.
Meanwhile, North Korea was offered assistance from China, Russia and South Korea, but Kim Jong refused to accept any kind of assistance. However, he thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for offering help. Kim said that he would ask for help if needed.
The number of executions in North Korea has increased since COVID-19. According to the Korea Times, before the pandemic, an average of 10 people were executed every year in the country, which has increased to 100 after the pandemic.
–IANS
FM/AKJ
