After Chosun Central News Agency’s (KCNA) reports that the flooding from the typhoon has severely destroyed private and public properties, roads, bridges, and croplands, yesterday, members of the United Nations program, the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) toured regions in North Korea most critically impacted by the heavy rainfall.

On Tuesday, North Korean-based UN staff verified the country’s account of the damage.

Francis Markus, a spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross East Asia, emphasized the need for clean water, food and shelter, stating, “Drinking water is a critical issue with the water systems having been taken out of action, and there's obviously a danger of water-borne diseases if things are not done to improve the situation."

This month’s flooding follows a long period of drought in North Korea, a combination of which has left the already insecure food supply in the country under even greater threat.

Spokesman Markus explained, "The humanitarian situation has not really shown any clear signs of improvement over recent years. In fact, there's been a gradual deterioration.”

Meanwhile, a source at the U.S. State Department, reported by Yonhap News claims the United States has not directly participated with the current UN assessment of the affected provinces, stating, "At this time, there are no plans for a separate U.S. assessment.”

The U.S. government was concerned about the conditions for North Korean citizens. However, the official stated, "Our longstanding humanitarian policy towards the DPRK remains unchanged.”