South Korea Offers Rare Aid to Flood-Stricken North Korea Amidst Tense Relations

South Korea's Red Cross has extended an offer to provide North Korea with relief supplies following significant flood damage caused by heavy rainfall. This offer marks a rare outreach under President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration. The North Korean response remains uncertain, given the strained relations between the two nations.

South Korea's Red Cross has announced its readiness to provide North Korea with essential relief supplies following recent heavy rainfall that has caused extensive damage. This move is a notable outreach under President Yoon Suk Yeol's administration, aiming to assist their northern neighbor despite ongoing political tensions.

The Unification Ministry, managing inter-Korean relations, issued a statement confirming the Red Cross's leadership role in coordinating aid efforts, following past initiatives like reunions of separated families. North Korea's northwestern regions, particularly Sinuiju and Uiju, have been severely affected, with state media reporting over 4,000 homes flooded.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has personally surveyed the impacted areas, expressing grave concerns over the devastation. Tropical Storm Gaemi's aftermath has resulted in several casualties and ongoing serious weather conditions continue to raise alarm. South Korea's offer stands amid fraught relations and uncertainties over North Korea's potential response.

(With inputs from agencies.)