Premier tours North Korea’s flood-hit region

ANKARA

North Korea’s premier visited the flood-hit South Hamgyong province to inspect damage and launch a “recovery campaign,” state media reported on Thursday.

Kim Tok Hun visited areas in Yonggwang, Sinhung, and Hongwon counties, as well as the city of Tanchon in the province, according to the state-run Central News Agency.

He urged local authorities and the army to expedite efforts to resolve issues being faced by flood victims, the report said.

North Korea has been witnessing heavy rains since last month, resulting in floods that have damaged swaths of farmland and dozens of houses.

The floods have come at a time when the sanctions-hit nation is already facing a food crisis, with leader Kim Jong-un ordering officials in June to “revive food distribution to alleviate the emergency situation.”