Over 60 killed in N Korea floods

Over 60 people were killed and 25 were reported missing in recent floods that destroyed buildings, infrastructure and agricultural fields in the northern part of North Korea, authorities said on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall in the northernmost Hamgyong province, bordering China, caused severe floods that destroyed 560 public buildings, 30 factories and around 20 schools, EFE news reported citing state-run agency KCNA.

Flood waters also damaged 79.8 km of highways and roads, several bridges and a dam, and inundated 7,980 hectares of rice fields besides devastating another 2,100 hectares.

The North Korean government has launched a campaign to repair the damage and supply basic commodities to those affected and start reconstruction work, the state media said.

On Saturday, authorities said typhoon Lionrock, this year's tenth typhoon in the Pacific, caused serious material damage and led to the evacuation of 44,000 people, while 15 people were reported missing.

--IANS

ksk/dg