Floods leave 76 dead, 75 missing in North Korea

North Koreans work in a field damaged by Typhoon Kompasu, in this 2010 file photo from Korea Central News Agency (KCNA). KCNA-AP

By Jung Da-min

At least 76 people were killed and 75 missing in floods that struck North Korea in late August, according to international aid agencies.

"Heavy rains in recent days triggered large-scale flooding and landslides in low-lying areas, destroying more than 800 buildings including homes, clinics and schools," International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) DPRK Country Office said in a statement.

Flood victims were in urgent need of health services, shelters and food, said John Fleming from the DPRK Country Office.

"With the cold season around the corner, we are also concerned this disaster will increase the risk of health problems and food insecurity for some communities," he noted.

According to the report of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the natural disaster has worsened North Korea's food insecurity.

"In North and South Hwanghae, 17,000 hectares of agricultural land has been impacted by the floods," OCHA said. "Many of the crops that had been nearing harvest, raising concerns about the negative impacts on food production and people's longer-term food security."

It also said floods displaced more than 10,000 people whose homes were destroyed, citing data provided by the North Korean government.

Days before the persistent heavy rains between Aug. 28 and 30, Typhoon Soulik caused heavy flooding in Kangwon and South Hamgyong provinces from Aug. 24, with exteremely heavy rainfall.

"In Munchon and Wonsan Cities, Kangwon Province and Kowon County, South Hamgyong Provinces, 300-600mm of rain was recorded within 24 hours, which is more than half the annual average rainfall," IFRC said in another report. The report also said close to 60,000 people were displaced due to flash floods.