North Korea’s Flood Disaster and the US’s Response
US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller made important statements regarding North Korea at a press conference. Miller said, “We call on North Korea to stop taking provocative and unhelpful steps and return to the negotiating table.”
Miller also drew attention to the flood disaster that hit North Korea at the end of last month when asked by reporters. “Just like we stand with the people of any country in the world facing a humanitarian disaster, we stand with the people of North Korea,” he said. “Whatever differences we may have with any government, those are not differences between us and the people of that country,” Miller said, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian aid. “Therefore, we hope that the humanitarian needs of the people of North Korea will be met,” he said.
Pyongyang Holds Military Ceremony Despite Flood Disaster
North Korea experienced a major flood disaster following heavy rainfall in areas close to the Chinese border on July 27. In this disaster, 4,100 houses and 3,000 hectares of agricultural land were flooded. Comments were made that the material damage caused by the flood could negatively affect North Korea’s defense spending, which is already going through difficult times due to international sanctions.
Despite this, the Pyongyang government announced that 250 new-type tactical ballistic missile launchers will be deployed to military units on the South Korean border. Speaking at the ceremony to deliver the missile launchers to the army, country leader Kim Jong-un said, “Holding a delivery ceremony for new-type weapons systems, even at a time when the country is mobilized to heal the wounds of the flood disaster , is an indication of our determination to strengthen our defense capabilities under all circumstances.”
