Russia has promised humanitarian assistance to North Korea following deadly floods that have damaged thousands of homes and caused an unknown number of casualties. South Korea reports that the death toll could be as high as 1,500. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences and pledged support to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a telegram. Kim thanked Putin for the offer but stated that his government has already taken measures for recovery work. Despite this, Putin assured North Korea that they can always count on Russian help and support.
The heavy rains in North Korea’s north-western areas have flooded over 4,000 homes and left 5,000 residents isolated. Kim personally inspected the affected areas as the damage became more severe. Meanwhile, South Korea has expressed readiness to provide urgent humanitarian aid to North Korean flood victims. South Korean media reports suggest a high number of casualties and the death of rescue workers in helicopter crashes, although North Korea’s Kim has denounced these reports as false rumors spread by South Korean media to tarnish the North’s image.
North Korea and Russia have been longstanding allies, with diplomatic and security ties between the two nations strengthening in recent months. Kim and Putin signed a strategic partnership pact in June. As North Korea grapples with the aftermath of the devastating floods, international assistance is crucial in helping the country recover from the destruction caused by the natural disaster.
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