Kim Jong Un surveys damage as floods devastate North Korea trade hub

SEOUL -- Heavy rains and floods in northern North Korea appear to have caused significant damage to rail lines and other infrastructure in a key trade hub near China, dealing a serous blow to the economy.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was at the disaster site for three days in a row to direct recovery efforts. He fired officials in charge of disaster management for the area. His presence was partly a propaganda campaign to highlight his leadership to deflect criticism.