At the end of last year the severely flood-hit areas of North Phyongan, Jagang and Ryanggang provinces turned into ideal “cultured rural towns” and beautiful villages epitomizing modern civilization, with the result that house-moving parties took place.

As natural disasters caused by global warming sweep the world, the DPRK has also suffered damages from the abnormal climate almost every year.

In July last year, three days of torrential rain of more than 400-600mm cut a swathe through some areas of North Phyongan and Jagang provinces, leaving residents homeless.

All countries and regions, without exception, have faced food crisis caused by deadly drought combined with rigorous heat waves and sustained human and material losses by heavy rain and flood. The natural calamities are growing every year.

However, the efforts to clear away the aftermaths of natural disasters and stabilize people’s life vary from country to country. Some countries send troops for temporary rehabilitation, while others offer certain amounts of food, daily necessities or other relief goods to the displaced people. Not a few countries inform international organizations of their situation to seek assistance. A growing number of people leave their dear villages to seek shelter as their politicians only make vague promises.

In contrast, things are completely different in the DPRK. The country faces up to natural calamities by launching massive construction for the people. In this country, small in size and population, ordinary people are put forward as Heaven. Even if they sustain disasters, they are optimistic about a brighter future rather than being worried about their conditions.

What made them such optimistic? This is because their leader always shares his destiny with the people. The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un is more worried about people’s distress than anybody else. He visited risky flood-hit areas, however far they are, braving rough seas, waist-deep mud and knee-deep muddy roads, to take timely measures for flood victims.

Encouraged by their benevolent leader, the Korean people turn out as one to bring about changes in their country.

The world witnessed new houses built in Rason and Komdok in the northern part of the country and in Unpha County’s Taechong-ri and Kumchon County’s Kangbuk-ri of North Hwanghae Province in the southern part of the country after they were hit by heavy flood. In the recent development, the residents in some areas of the northern region of the country shed tears of emotion and happiness after they received new houses free of charge in a little over four months after they sustained natural disaster last year.

As is well known, over 13 000 flood victims, including children and students, from the city of Sinuiju and Uiju County of North Phyongan Province and from Ryanggang and Jagang provinces came to the capital city of Pyongyang and enjoyed cordial hospitality while new houses were being built for them. This is what happened to flood victims in the DPRK.

Ri Ung