North Korea's Kim Jong Un thanks military for work on flood relief

SEOUL, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Kim Jong Un has yet to visit areas of North Korea hit by massive flooding that took place in late August and early September.

But the North Korean leader issued a letter this week thanking army volunteers for their work on recovery projects, according to Pyongyang's Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Friday.

Kim reportedly expressed his gratitude to Korean People's Army units for their "great achievement," according to the Rodong.

"The revered Comrade Kim Jong Un, raising high the noble purpose of our party's people-centered, people-respecting and people-loving principles, has sent a letter expressing his gratitude to the Korean People's Army units for their great achievements in the restoration battles that took place in the North Hamgyong disaster areas," the statement read.

The newspaper also listed the names of the military units, stating the soldiers undertook an "intense battle of construction, day and night," and that "within the short period of one month finished foundational construction."

"The Korean People's Army soldiers, workers and laborers who received with tremendous passion revered Comrade Kim Jong Un's words of gratitude, by radiantly banding together in a 200-day battle, are overflowing with revolutionary enthusiasm for the spirit of self-reliant [North] Korea, the spirit of 100 victories, and the indomitable spirit of the heroic people, that can shake the world in all directions."

While North Korea has been promoting independent recovery, the International Committee of the Red Cross said aid continues to be channeled to the country for flood relief.

The Red Cross said Thursday the organization is donating $500,000 for emergency assistance, Voice of America reported.

The funds would go toward purchasing material for roofs after more than 30,000 homes were destroyed in late August and early September.

The Red Cross also said North Korea is devoting significant resources to the building of new homes, and that Pyongyang is aiming to build 20,000 homes by the end of October.