North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited the region in late July to celebrate the completion of new homes for residents displaced by severe flooding and to offer his condolences and encouragement.
According to the Korean Central News Agency(KCNA) on Monday, Kim participated in the ceremony, stating, “This accomplishment, achieved despite the most challenging conditions in terms of construction time, location, and material transportation, is a miracle in construction history.”
Addressing flood victims who had temporarily resided in Pyongyang while their homes were being rebuilt, Kim said, “I am deeply sorry that we had to postpone the completion date repeatedly due to Party decisions, only managing to finish the project at the end of the year when the cold set in.”
Kim had visited the affected areas multiple times to oversee recovery efforts personally.
Kim attributed the flooding disaster to human error, criticizing lapses in North Korea’s disaster prevention systems and the negligence of responsible officials. He emphasized the importance of completing recovery efforts without international aid: “While some countries and international organizations offered support at the beginning of the recovery process, we relied solely on our own strength. This project has strengthened our spiritual and material self-reliance, which is more valuable than anything else.”
After delivering his speech, Kim cut the ribbon at the ceremony and toured the newly built homes. The event was attended by members of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Politburo Standing Committee; the Baekdusan Hero Youth Shock Brigade involved in recovery work and other Party leaders. Reflecting on the area’s transformation, Kim said, “Just a few months ago, I toured this flooded area by boat, weighed down by the thought of residents suffering after losing their homes. Now, it has been transformed into a remarkable socialist ideal village. Truly, this is a groundbreaking transformation.”
KCNA reported that Kim was pleased to see the new homes furnished with essential items such as TVs and furniture. He remarked, “It is heartwarming to hear that flood victims are now referred to as recovered residents. How wonderful it is that they can now enjoy a happy and civilized life without worry in their new homes.”
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