[imText1]On the 7th, North Korean media made a special announcement regarding the flood situation.
The Chochongryon online bulletin, pro-North Korean residents’ league in Japan, relayed on the 7th that “In one district alone, there were 549 deaths, 295 missing persons and 3,043 casualties between July 14th~16th and 28,747 homes were destroyed.”
On July 21st, Chosun (North Korea) Central Broadcast reported that “Thousands of deaths and missing persons have arisen”, but was unable to specify an exact figure.
Even 10 years ago, when North Korea incurred severe flood damage, the actual figures were not released. There have been few cases in general when North Korean authorities have released statistical data. Thus it is an exceptional case that any sort of statistical data was released at all. So why were figures released this time?
Contradicting “10,000 deaths?”
First, figures may have been released in order to counter information released by North Korean support organizations in South Korea, which asserted that “10,000 lives were lost”. North Korea was attempting to refute these claims, implying “Our republican country is capable of preventing 10,000 deaths from occurring”.
The Grand National Party Parliamentarian, Jeong Hyeong Keun, said on the 3rd that “It has been 100 years since 10,000 deaths and 130,000~150,000 people have suffered due to flooding, and the aftereffects of this flood are grave”. He asserted the need for South Korea to help North Korea, and refuted on Pyongyang Broadcast on the 5th that “It is an exaggerated and distorted publicity stunt full of malevolent actions”.
In particular, it would be an embarrassment if the North Korean people discovered the truth about the number of casualties. As a result, it seems that news was not published in the Rodong Shinmun, but in the Chosun Shinbo (courier).
In addition, figures released by the Chosun Shinbo on the 7th, appear not to have been actual figures. Chances are these figures were distorted.
It is a fact that North Korean authorities had an agenda in releasing the statistics.
Defector Jeong Myung Woo (pseudonym, former North Korean Workers’ Party member), said “It seems that they are trying make efforts by releasing actual figures. However, in an anarchic North Korean system, it is difficult to aquire real statistical figures. Although each people’s unit conducts its own surveys, the Party has final say in modification the data.”
Possible “acceptance of South Korean aid”
Second, it is analyzed that this is an attempt by the North to alleviate isolation incurred through the missile launch. After the passing of the UN’s North Korea resolution, North Korea has faced complete isolation from the international community.
Amidst these circumstances, the fact that figures were released suggests it is simply a publicity stunt to create international feelings of sympathy.
Third, as this release of information has been done in such a roundabout way, it can be assumed that aid for North Korea from international communities will be accepted. With aid from the WFP and South Korea indicating it will send support, it appears that North Korea is making a gesture confirming that it cannot beat this alone.
Even 10 years ago, North Korea delayed requesting urgent aid because of its ‘national pride’ and as a result millions of people died. However, sentiments arise unlike 10 years ago, as the numbers of victims are revealed.
As there is nothing to eat, problems could arise, firstly from sufferers roaming towns looking for food and secondly, mitigating control at Jangmadang. In addition to the missile launch failure, the ‘Biggest flood in 100 years’ is undoubtedly raising concerns within the Kim Jong Il regime.
Hence, North Korean authorities appear to be using inside sources to emphasize that humanitarian aid is welcome.
