FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 09/98 - KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (3

KOREA, REPUBLIC OF (3 September)

Heavy rains that started at the end of July have caused serious flooding killing at least 273 people. More than 150 000 people have vacated their homes and damage to property is estimated at about US$689 million. Some 47 000 hectares, mostly rice fields in northern parts of the country, were flooded and about 4 440 hectares of vegetableproducing farmland in southern parts of the country were destroyed.

The target for paddy production this year, set at 6.7 million tonnes (10 percent lower than last year), is unlikely to be achieved. Cereal imports in 1997/98 are estimated at 12.1 million tonnes compared to 13.1 million tonnes in 1996/97.

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