Following the devastation of Typhoon Lionrock in North Korea, 138 people were killed, 400 others missing and 20,000 houses were destroyed, leaving 140,000 North Koreans homeless.
"Given the scale of destruction, the number of individuals affected, and the fact that winter is rapidly approaching, time is of the essence," said U.N. human rights spokesman Tomás Ojea Quintana.
"[Aid is] now critical to protect the rights to food, health and adequate housing of those affected."
North Korea recently fired a land-based missile for satellites launching, with a new type of high powered engine. The new engine gives the rocket carrier's ability to launch various types of satellites, including those for observing the earth's surface, although analysts believed it is probably intended to power ballistic missiles.
According to the North Korean news agency, a test was monitored by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This was his first public appearance at a military event since Pyongyang took the fifth nuclear test on Sep. 9.
Although Kim Jong Un was pleased with the launch of satellites, back on earth things in North Korea weren't quite so promising.
However, continues military tests are reducing a chance of vital aid donations. Supreme Leader of North Korea has drawn international censure after his fourth and fifth nuclear test so even China, South Korea and Japan, North Korea's only friendly nation and the biggest pledgers of aid are lost their goodwill to help.
The latest test, conducted in the midst of global condemnation of the fifth nuclear test by North Korea earlier this month, and calls from the US, Japan, and South Korea this week for and putting more pressure on Pyongyang for contempt of UN resolutions prohibiting its missile and nuclear programs didn't help.
North Korea is diverting all resources to its nuclear weapon programs instead of helping its people ravaged by recent floods, South Korea's foreign ministry said Thursday, ruling out any possibility of relief assistance to Pyongyang.
"The costs of the nuclear tests and launching 22 missiles (this year) are estimated at US$200 million, and this surpasses by far the size of the damage from the floods," Sun noted. "This fact should be considered when contemplating any assistance over the latest floods."
He highlighted that the North's disregard for the lives of its people in favor of developing its nuclear and missile programs is "unpardonable."
