North Pyongan province has sent party labor brigades to flood-ravaged areas along the Yalu River for recovery efforts. Families in these areas, already struggling, now face the added burden of supporting mobilized husbands.
A source in North Pyongan province, speaking anonymously to Daily NK, said the province, declared a special disaster zone, “is giving its all to recovery work, reducing even all political activities.” The province shortened Saturday lectures for officials on Aug. 3, opting for written reviews to focus on recovery efforts.
The North Pyongan party committee urged officials to limit Saturday political events, focusing instead on flood recovery efforts and organizing on-site labor brigades.
The committee aims to “quickly build nicer roads and homes than before with the province’s own resources.” Labor brigade members pledged to lead recovery efforts, working 24-hour shifts on-site.
Mobilization a major burden for families
Sinuiju residents expressed shock as even flood-affected household heads were mobilized for recovery efforts.
“Families lack food, clothing and fuel,” the source said. “With household heads in labor brigades and families having to support them, it’s an enormous burden.”
Families must provide food for their mobilized members, as laborers receive inadequate rations on-site.
Families prepare corn flour, oil, syrup and chili powder for their mobilized members, despite their own post-flood hardships.