Severe floods in North Korea have killed at least 22 people and left four others missing, according to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

In a statement citing figures from North Korean officials, the IFRC said the floods have also caused widespread crop damage, intensifying economic concerns in a country that already suffers chronic food shortages.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported Friday that nearly 40 000 hectares of crops have been damaged and 17 000 houses destroyed or inundated.