Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.North Korea needs immediate food assistance after heavy rains killed scores of people and submerged swathes of farmland, the United Nations has said.
Floods caused by two storm systems last month killed at least 119 people and left tens of thousands homeless, according to the North's state media.
The flooding, which occurred following a severe drought, renewed concerns about North Korea's ability to feed its people after a previous UN report said in June that two thirds of the country's 24 million people are coping with chronic food shortages.
The UN report said that torrential rains caused severe damage to homes, public buildings, infra-structure and farms, affecting maize, soya bean and rice fields. Some 36,000 families in the city of Anju do not have access to clean water, and wells are contaminated due to overflow of pit latrines and open drainage, raising the risk of a diarrhoea outbreak.
An official in Anju, located in one of the worst affected areas, said earlier this week that it was the worst disaster in its history.
North Korean officials have asked the UN to prioritise the release of emergency supplies, including food and fuel, Martin Nesirky, spokesman for UN secretary-general Ban Ki-moon, said. The assessment was released by the UN resident co-ordinator's office in Pyongyang, following visits to flood-stricken areas earlier this week.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments