North Korea says 60 dead, 25 missing after flood

SEOUL, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- North Korea media issued a new statement on a recent flood that has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people.

Pyongyang's state-controlled KCNA reported the floods that primarily hit the country's northeastern region resulted in at least 60 dead and 25 missing.

Recovery missions are underway, North Korea stated.

The flood has led to severe damages in rural and urban areas.

According to KCNA, nearly 20,000 acres of farmland were submerged under water and more than 5,100 acres of fields were washed away.

In cities and towns, 560 public buildings, 30 production plants, and 20 school buildings were either destroyed or flooded, the report stated.

A total of 50 miles of roads, six bridges, and at least one hydroelectric power station were destroyed.

On Friday, North Korea had reported stormy weather brought nearly 12 inches of rain and caused massive flooding.

KCNA had also stated Typhoon No. 10, which led to flooding and damages in neighboring Japan, had collided into a "low-pressure area" that had formed in the northwest.

Storms that brought heavy rain and strong gusts of wind then moved across the country between Aug. 29 and Sept. 2, according to Pyongyang.

Chinese state-television network CCTV reported last week provincial authorities in Jilin rescued three North Koreans trapped in floodwaters.

The rescue took place on Aug. 31 after North Korea reportedly sought Chinese assistance in the rescue.

China dispatched two rescue boats and a crew of 10 people, according to the report.

Pyongyang did not confirm on Tuesday that it requested China's assistance in the rescues.