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Two killed, hundreds homeless in North Korean floods

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AFP Seoul
Two people were killed and hundreds left homeless after heavy rains pounded North Korea over the past three days, state media said today.

"Flood damage occurred in the central DPRK," (North Korea) the Korean Central News Agency said, citing preliminary tallies compiled as of late yesterday.

Large swathes of farmland were flooded in the provinces of South Hamkyong, North Hwanghae and Kangwon, KCNA said.

Poor weather makes it harder for the communist state to feed its 24-million-strong population as it lacks advanced agricultural technology and infrastructure.

In August last year, Typhoon Bolaven wrought havoc in the North, leaving 48 people dead and more than 50 injured or missing. In addition to the casualties, more than 20,000 people were left homeless and tens of thousands of hectares (acres) of crops destroyed, KCNA said.

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First Published: Jul 13 2013 | 9:15 AM IST

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