The tail end of Typhoon Gaemi has left a trail of destruction in both China and North Korea with the rainfall significantly increasing levels in the Yalu River that divides the two countries, causing severe flooding and landslides. In recent weeks, North Korea has faced devastating floods that have wreaked havoc across the country, leading to significant loss of life and property. Although Pyongyang did not reveal official numbers of the affected population, the floods have forced the evacuation of over 27,000 people in the northeastern regions bordering North Korea alone. The heavy rainfall also led to railway disruptions and road collapses, complicating rescue and relief efforts.

In response, the state dispatched military helicopters to rescue more than 5,000 civilians from severe flooding in the northwest region near the Chinese border. Despite these efforts, the scale of the flood has overwhelmed the country’s limited resources, further exacerbating its already challenging living conditions. Amidst the unfolding crisis, the government’s response has been marked by attempts to downplay the severity of the disaster by accusing "the ROK scum” (referring to South Korea) of spreading rumors that the toll for the missing and the dead could be as high as 1,500.

THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCEALMENT EFFORTS

In a highly publicized move, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, was seen surveying the flood damages in his luxurious Lexus LX 600. Kim’s vehicle was spotted navigating along muddy roads while being submerged in several feet of water. In an attempt to portray their leader’s concern and control over the situation, state media took this opportunity to praise Kim for “putting himself out there and demonstrating that the state is able to provide for its people.” Kim also showed empathy to his people by openly criticizing officials for their failure to prepare and respond to the recent torrential rain, despite previous orders to improve the country’s measures against natural disasters. As a result, Kim had reportedly dismissed the provincial party committee secretary of Chagang Province, Kang Bong-hun, and the minister of social security, Ri Thae-sop, from their positions during an emergency meeting in Sinuiju city.

Meanwhile, the government made concerted efforts to conceal the true extent of the damage. Reports indicate that the authorities have ordered flood victims who lost their families or homes not to express grief publicly. Days following the mass evacuations, residents from North Pyongan were forced to watch propaganda videos of Kim rescuing people in the flooded areas as a hero. An evacuee told Radio Free Asia that, “On the first day, flood victims cried in despair because their elderly parents and young children were washed away by the flood, but they were stopped by guards. ... The guards insisted that the victims be thankful for Kim Jong Un’s love for his people.” Another resident from Wihwa island, which is situated near the mouth of the Yalu, confirmed that, despite the number of missing and dead exceeding 1,000 after people were washed away by the current or killed when their homes collapsed due to heavy rain, “they are unable to even show a sad expression on their faces due to surveillance from the authorities” while being forced to give thanks to their leader for saving them every day.

REJECTION OF OUTSIDE AID AND YOUTH MOBILIZATION

In a bold move, North Korea rejected offers of humanitarian aid from neighboring countries, including South Korea, China and Russia, perhaps as part of a political statement to reflect the regime’s desire to project self-reliance and avoid any perception of weakness. Further, by declining China’s offer to rescue its people stranded on islands in the Yalu, Pyongyang tactfully prevents those rescued from attempting to defect to China at the cost of countless lives.

Despite the significant dangers posed by the devastated areas, North Korean authorities also dispatched 300,000 young “volunteers” to live and rebuild 4,400 new homes in a major flood disaster zone near the Chinese border in the name of instilling obedience through hard labor. The affected areas remain hazardous, with unstable structures, contaminated water and the risk of further landslides and flooding. Yet, the government pressed ahead with the mobilization, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and sacrifice as young people are being thrust into dangerous living and working conditions.