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South Korea/North Korea - flash floods

Seoul demands explanation from North for flood that swept away six

Article published on the 2009-09-07 Latest update 2009-09-07 08:30 TU

Rescue workers search for missing people in Yeoncheon.(Photo: Reuters)

Rescue workers search for missing people in Yeoncheon.
(Photo: Reuters)

South Korea has complained to the North after a flood caused by water released from a dam without warning swept away six people south of the border. Police say three bodies have been recovered, but the other three are still missing.

The Imjin River was swelled to twice its normal depth when around 40 million cubic metres was released for unknown reasons from an upstream dam. Seoul has demanded an explanation as well as telling the North to give prior warning the next time dam water is released.

There are fears the incident could affect thawing relations between the two countries, after the North freed five South Korean detainees last month, opened up borders and started talks with the government.

Previous dam releases have caused damage to farmland and fisheries in Yeoncheon County North of Seoul, but this is the first time there have been deaths.

The body of a North Korean four-year-old was also discovered floating down the river on Sunday after the flood.

North Korea agreed to give notifications over water discharges in 2005 economic talks, but the promises were not kept and Seoul sent a protest letter.

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