The Australian (AP)
March 25, 2011
The UN says more than 6 million North Koreans are in urgent need of international food assistance.
The world body reported today that North Korea had suffered a series of shocks including summer floods and then a harsh winter, "leaving the country highly vulnerable to a food crisis".
It said the worst affected include children, women and the elderly, and recommended providing 430,000 tonnes of aid.
The report was based on an assessment conducted in February and March by agencies including the World Food Program at North Korea's request.
The US is considering resuming food aid to the North, which has continued to advance its nuclear programs despite its chronic problems in feeding its people.