Thousands of North Koreans left homeless by floods

North Korea is suffering from severe flooding caused by heavy rains that has left at least 15 people missing and thousands homeless.

North Koreans during a flood in July 2012 in Anju city, South Phyongan province. Photo: AP.

North Korea's KCNA news agency said late on September 2 that the Tumen River, which borders China, Russia and North Korea, had burst its banks, causing "the worst flood ever" in the region.

At least 15 people have gone missing in the province.North Hamgyong,northeastern Korea. DistrictsMusan, Yonsa and Onsong, along with part of the Rason special economic zone, also suffered "severe damage".

17,000 houses were destroyed or partially damaged by the floods, forcing 44,000 people to temporarily seek other shelters. Rainfall measured in the provinceNorth Hamgyong was 32 centimeters from August 30 to mid-September 2. "Non-stop operations are underway to stabilize people's lives and repair damaged property after the rain and floods," KCNA said.

North Korea is a country prone to flooding because many mountainous areas have been converted into terraced fields or cleared for timber, allowing rainwater to easily flow to low-lying areas.

According to VNE