Checking Floods Near China's Border, Kim Jong Un Reprimands Officials Who Are Slow To Handling Disasters

JAKARTA - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the flood area near the border between his country and China after 5,000 people were affected.

"The record for heavy rains on Saturday, July 27, in Sinuiju, North Korea and the surrounding area bordering China has isolated around 5,000 people," KCNA said.

The military arranged about 10 planes to make about 20 trips each to evacuate 4,200 people in half a day.

Kim praised the military for the evacuation efforts, which he said had saved 5,000 lives.

But Kim Jong Un reprimanded officials for insufficient preparations for anticipatory steps in a disaster crisis situation to prevent damage caused by heavy rains, floods and typhoons.

The area has been hit by heavy rains due to Tropical Storm Gaemi in recent days, with landslides triggered by rain killing 12 people in southern China and causing flash floods elsewhere.