Red Cross Offers Flood Aid as Pyongyang Parties

Massive flooding destroys 2,900 homes, but Arirang Games go on
By Mark Russell,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 3, 2011 4:45 AM CDT
Red Cross Offers Flood Aid as Pyongyang Parties
Performers dance in North Korea's giant "Arirang" mass games show, on the opening night of its 2011 season, at Pyongyang's May Day Stadium, on Monday Aug. 1, 2011.   (AP Photos/APTN)

With torrential rains causing flooding and extensive damage to North Korea, the South Korean Red Cross has offered $4.7 million in aid, reports Yonhap News. Record storms that overwhelmed South Korea last week and killed scores of people also hit the North, killing dozens, destroying 2,900 homes, and washing away more than 148,000 acres of farmland. North Korea has yet to respond to the offer.

It's been a hard year for North Korea, with a harsh winter leaving millions in danger of starvation. This new round of emergency relief may ease tensions between the Koreas, which have been high for months following several provocations from the North.
Despite the flooding and food shortages, the annual Arirang Games in Pyongyang are proceeding as usual. Hundreds of thousands of people took part in choreographed dances at Monday night's opening ceremony, marking the 63rd anniversary of the country's founding, Reuters reports., (More North Korea stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X