The United States said today it will contribute $900,000 in aid to

The United States said today it will contribute $900,000 in aid to flood-hit North Korea, saying it is separate from its political and security concerns about the reclusive communist state.

The US Agency for International Development will give “$900,000 in emergency relief supplies” to the country’s Kangwon and North and South Hwanghae provinces through US non-government organizations, the State Department said.

The United States ended nuclear arms talks with North Korea on July 29 with a message that the “path is open” to better relations if the reclusive North shows a firm commitment to disarmament efforts.

State media said August 5 that floods in North Korea triggered by torrential rain late last month killed 30 people and destroyed more than 6,750 houses.

More than 15,800 people were left homeless by the floods which also inundated more than 48,000 hectares (120,000 acres) of farmland, “seriously affecting this year’s grain output,” the Korean Central News Agency said.

It said 350 factories and public buildings also collapsed in the heavy rain and floods.

Source AFP