Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent messages of sympathy to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepali President Ram Chandra Poudel over the devastating flooding in the Himalayan region, state media reported.

According to Yonhap News Agency, more than 500 people were killed and over 1,500 others remained missing in China and Nepal as of Friday after massive flooding and landslides hit the Himalayan region bordering China on Wednesday. The messages from Kim Jong-un were conveyed on Friday, underscoring the severity of the disaster.

In his message to Xi Jinping, Kim expressed his "deepest condolences" to the Chinese leader, its party and government, people, victims, and bereaved families. He also expressed hope that the aftermath of the disaster would be addressed swiftly and that residents in the affected areas would regain peace and stability, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Similarly, in his message to Ram Chandra Poudel, Kim conveyed his "sincerest condolence and sympathy" to the Nepali government and people, as well as the victims and bereaved families, over the casualties and missing persons. This message was highlighted in a separate dispatch by KCNA.