hankyoreh

The United States said Friday it was giving US$100,000 humanitarian relief to North Korea's flood victims through non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

The U.S. Agency for International Development announced it was providing aid to help North Korea as it copes with "severe destructive impact" of recent floods. Two NGOs, Mercy Corps and Samaritan's Pursue, would each receive $50,000 to provide blankets, shelter materials, water containers and other needed supplies, the agency said.

"We extend our deep sympathy to those who have suffered the loss of their homes or loved ones as a result of the floods," the agency said in its press release announcing the aid.

Washington had suspended food provisions to the North, citing lack of transparency in the communist nation to ensure the donations were reaching the targeted population instead of the military or a handful of elites.

State Department spokesman Sean McCormack said the latest aid is in indirect form.

"I don't think it's direct because we are providing the money to these NGOs," he said.

"But it's humanitarian assistance and it's meant to flow from the U.S. government to the North Korean people."
WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (Yonhap)