Recent satellite images show temporary encampments created in North Korea for residents displaced by extensive flooding that occurred in late July.
Captured on August 8 by Planet Labs, the images reveal tent cities in some of the most severely affected areas.
Heavy monsoon rains have resulted in widespread flooding and landslides, particularly impacting the provinces of North Pyongan, Ryanggang, and Jagang near the Chinese border.
In response to the crisis, North Korea has sent military personnel and youth volunteers to aid in recovery. Reports from South Korean media suggest that the toll could exceed 1,000 in terms of dead or missing individuals.
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On the day of the imagery, four camps were established in Uiju, including one site with around 75 tents that was visited by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Additionally, another camp was reported to be set up at a local elementary school, as detailed by Washington D.C.’s Stimson Center’s 38North project. Many camps are located near schools on the outskirts of Sinuiju, situated about 17 miles upriver from Uiju.
The tents observed appeared to have access to electricity and were equipped with TV antennas, as noted by 38North.
Korean Central News Agency highlighted Kim’s emphasis on television for ensuring the displaced citizens can stay informed about the Party’s plans.
In a gesture of solidarity, Seoul expressed condolences and offered flood relief earlier this month, despite ongoing tensions.
The U.S. State Department also voiced support for international humanitarian efforts, hoping North Korea would permit foreign aid workers back into the country soon.
However, Kim has seemingly turned down international aid, recently accusing South Korea’s media of exaggerating the flood’s impacts to discredit the North, according to KCNA.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to self-reliance, stating that national defense will not be compromised for the sake of living standards.
The North Korean embassy in China has not yet responded to requests for comments on the situation.
North Korean media has circulated images of Kim engaging with children and displaced individuals, indicating his involvement in distributing food and clothing while promising further support.
He declared that all children and students from disaster-affected areas would be relocated to the capital for state-managed education and care.