North Korea Faces Massive Famine

Seoul, South Korea (AHN) -- The United Nations warned last week that North Korea may see a famine worse than the one they faced in the 1990s, when it's estimated that more than a million people starved to death.

A combination of rising food costs, a population already suffering from malnutrition, and last year's floods, which reeked havoc on much of the local food harvest, have left North Korea in a dangerous predicament.

According to the Associated Press, U.N. World Food Program spokesman Paul Risley said at a Bangkok, Thailand, news conference, "North Korea ... faces a dire food shortage. Because of high global food prices it will be very difficult for the government of DPRK to purchase food on global markets to make up the difference."

Officials are saying outside help will be necessary to avoid a massive famine, but reportedly North Korea has so far refused to ask for help from South Korea due to conflicts between the governments. The AP reported that talks were underway between the U.S and North Korean officials on how to ensure donated food supplies get to the most affected people.

According to The World Food Program, the country lost 1.66 metric tons of food in last years floods, which exacerbated an already low food supply. The WFP also reported that 37 percent of the population is already malnourished, and one third of mothers are malnourished and anemic.