North Korea Faces Severe Flooding After Heavy Rains

North Korea has reported severe flooding in the northwestern regions, particularly affecting the cities of Sinuiju and Uiju due to heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Gaemi. State media indicated that over 4,100 homes and approximately 3,000 hectares of farmland were inundated, leaving thousands homeless and in makeshift tents. More than 5,000 people were evacuated, with reports of 150 individuals isolated in Jagang province also rescued. In a Politburo meeting chaired by leader Kim Jong Un, officials discussed urgent measures for disaster relief, including the construction of new housing and the strengthening of flood defenses. Kim emphasized accountability for disaster preparedness failures but did not confirm any casualties from the floods. The region's vulnerability to flooding is attributed to poor infrastructure, deforestation, and inadequate drainage systems.