UNICEF sending team to assess flood damage in North Korea

Posted on : 2012-08-01 14:06 KST Modified on : 2012-08-01 14:06 KST
North Korea has seen deaths and extensive damage from recent heavy rains
 found in North Korea’s South Pyeongyang province. Most of Anju is covered in water from recent heavy rains. (Yonhap News)
found in North Korea’s South Pyeongyang province. Most of Anju is covered in water from recent heavy rains. (Yonhap News)

By Park Hyun, Washington correspondent

UNICEF‘s East Asia and Pacific office said on July 30 that a UN investigation team would visit North Korea on August 6 to survey damage done by recent heavy rains and typhoons.

Christopher de Bono, chief of communications for UNESCO’s East Asia and Pacific office, said in a statement, “We have agreed to send an inter-agency rapid assessment team to the two most affected counties tomorrow (July 31).”

He added, “A UN response will be made after the inter-agency mission assesses the damages and gauges the immediate requirements of those affected.”

The team is reportedly composed of UN staff currently residing in North Korea.

North Korea‘s official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Saturday that 88 people had died throughout the country due to the typhoon and localized torrential downpours.

According to the KCNA, 88 were killed and 134 injured throughout North Korea in a typhoon, localized torrential rains and deluges that struck July 18-24.

Human losses were particularly high in Sinyang and Seongcheon counties of South Pyeongan province, where localized torrential downpours struck between July 23-24.

North Korea also reported that seven people were killed in typhoon Khanun on July 24.

 

Please direct questions or comments to [english@hani.co.kr]

Related stories