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By Micah McCartney
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Satellite images have been released showing temporary settlements in North Korea set up to house those who lost their homes due to the heavy flooding in recent weeks.
The images, captured by global imaging company Planet Labs on August 8, show tent cities in two of the hardest-hit cities.
Monsoon rains have led to flooding and landslides across large swaths of western North Korea since late July, particularly the provinces of North Pyongan, Ryanggang and Jagang along the Chinese border.
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Pyongyang responded to the emergency by dispatching troops as well as youth volunteers to assist in recovery efforts. South Korean media has estimated the number of dead or missing due to the flooding could exceed 1,000.
There were four camps in Uiju the day the imagery was captured, including one comprising some 75 tents that was visited by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on August 8.
Another camp was been set up at a nearby elementary school, according to an analysis released Tuesday by Washington D.C.-based think tank the Stimson Center's 38North project. Schools also appear to house most of the camps set up on the outskirts of Sinuiju, which is about 17 miles upriver from Uiju.
Each tent appeared to be hooked up to electricity and feature a TV antenna, 38North said.
The state-run Korean Central News Agency last week cited Kim as stressing the importance of television "so the so that the afflicted residents can keep abreast of the Party's intentions."
Despite the simmering tensions, Seoul expressed condolences and offered to send flood relief earlier this month "in the spirit of brotherhood."
A U.S. State Department spokesperson told Voice of America the U.S. supported efforts to send international humanitarian and hoped Pyongyang would "soon allow international humanitarian workers back into the country."
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Kim has apparently rejected international assistance. Last week, he accused South Korea's "rubbish" media of exaggerating flood casualties in a campaign to smear the North's image, according to KCNA.
He stressed the country would rely on itself and vowed to never sacrifice national defense for citizens' living standards.
The North Korean embassy in China did not immediately respond to a written request for comment.
North Korean media has shared photographs of the 40-year-old leader holding children and interacting with displaced people in the tents, reporting that he helped hand out food and clothing while pledging additional assistance.
He announced all children and students from areas affected by the flood would be brought to the capital and that the government would take charge of their education and well-being.
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