Agenzia Fides

Seoul (Agenzia Fides) - Torrential rains caused by the summer Typhoon Khanun, which recently hit North Korea, has so far caused hundreds of deaths and injuries, besides leaving thousands of people homeless. According to data released by the state agency of North Korea (KCNA) over 5 000 homes have been destroyed and about 63 thousand people are homeless. The highest number of victims occurred in the counties of Sinyang and Songchon, in the central province of South Pyongan, near the capital Pyongyang strongly hit by the typhoon. The storm, aggravated by the precarious drainage systems and water control, has flooded or destroyed about 300 public buildings, including 10 health centers and schools, 60 factories. At least 25 000 hectares of land and more than 5 000 hectares of farmland have been submerged and 91,890 square meters of roads have become impassable. The effects of the torrential summer rains that have hit the country are also exacerbated by deforestation, which facilitates landslides. The food situation is particularly serious for the 24 million people who depend on external help. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 01/08/2012)