MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended his condolences and offered support to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the wake of devastating floods that caused untold casualties and damaged thousands of homes, the Kremlin said on Saturday.
North Korea reported earlier this week that record-breaking rainfall on July 27 caused significant damage across the country. The heavy downpour resulted in numerous casualties, extensive flooding, and widespread destruction of homes and agricultural land, particularly in the northern regions near the border with China.
In his telegram to Kim Jong Un, Putin conveyed his heartfelt condolences, saying, “I ask you to convey words of sympathy and support to all those who lost their loved ones as a result of the storm. You can always count on our help and support.”
This gesture underscores the strong alliance between North Korea and Russia, which has grown stronger since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
South Korean media have estimated that the number of dead and missing could be as high as 1,500, though these figures have not been confirmed by North Korean authorities.
The flooding has further exacerbated the difficulties faced by North Korea, a country already grappling with a fragile infrastructure and widespread poverty. The nation’s deforestation issues have increased its vulnerability to natural disasters.
In light of the situation, South Korea has mobilized urgent aid efforts to assist the flood victims, providing essential supplies and support. Meanwhile, North Korea’s infrastructure weaknesses have been highlighted by the scale of the disaster.
