Typhoon kills dozens in North Korea

SEOUL - Typhoon Kompasu killed dozens of people in North Korea when it hit the country two weeks ago, state media reported Wednesday.

“Cloud bursts, strong winds and landslides” were responsible for the deaths early this month, according to the reports.

The storm destroyed over 8,000 buildings as well as crops, roads, tram lines and electricity cables.

Kompasu also caused extensive damage in South Korea, where it killed three people.

In the South, there was speculation that the reconstruction work could be used as a reason to postpone a congress of the ruling Korean Workers Party in Pyongyang, the first to be held in 30 years.

South Korean media also reported that the poor health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il had led to a delay in the meeting, which North Korea said was to take place at the beginning of this month.

When the meeting is to take place remained unclear.

Observers said they believed Kim would use the occasion to position his youngest son, Kim Jong Un, to succeed him.

The South Korean Red Cross announced this week that it would send supplies of rice and cement worth 10 billion won ($8.6 million) to its Stalinist neighbour to help in the aftermath of floods in August.