North Korea flood displaces tens of thousands, state media says

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (UPI) -- A flood has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of North Koreans in its northeastern region.

Stormy weather in North Hamgyong Province brought nearly 12 inches of rain and caused flooding that resulted in the displacement of 44,000 people, Pyongyang's state-controlled news agency KCNA reported on Saturday, local time.

There are about 15 people missing, according to North Korea state media.

KCNA also stated Typhoon No. 10, which also led to flooding and damages in neighboring Japan, had collided into a "low-pressure area" that had formed in the northwest.

Storms that brought heavy rain and strong gusts of wind then moved across the country between Aug. 29 and Sep. 2, according to Pyongyang.

North Korean cities close to the China border like Hoeryong and Rason suffered severe damages.

The 15 people missing are based in Hoeryong, Musan and Yonsa counties and more than 17,180 homes were either totally or partly destroyed.

A total of 44,000 people have been forced out of their homes due to the floods, according to North Korea.

State media said a "vigorous struggle" is ongoing in response to the disaster. Rescue and search missions have been deployed.

In August 2015 floods also wiped out homes in North Korea, according to an unprecedented televised announcement from Pyongyang at the time.