South Korea, the US and international agencies offered North Korea help yesterday after widespread floods that have caused huge crop losses in a nation already unable to feed its people.
The Seoul administration said it would send aid worth 7.1 billion won (US$7.5 million) to victims following what it called "massive damage."
South Korean Unification Minister Lee Jae-joung said the assistance included instant noodles, drinking water, baby milk powder, blankets and medicine.
"The government has decided to provide North Korea with emergency aid in consideration of the massive damage and urgent need," he said.
The pledge comes less than two weeks before an inter-Korean summit.
Seoul said the floods would not affect the meeting.
The US Agency for International Development promised US$100,000 to buy blankets, shelter materials, water containers and other supplies and said it would consider further assistance to Pyongyang.
International relief agency World Vision said it would send 200 million won in medicine, flour and other necessities on a ship leaving on Monday, Yonhap News Agency reported.
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