A state-run think tank says the recent heavy rains in North Korea may have destroyed or flooded some 50-thousand to one-hundred-thousand hectares of farmland, which could affect more than one-hundred-thousand tons of grain.

A senior research fellow at the Korea Rural Economic Institute said Tuesday that the affected area is much bigger than last year's, with South Pyongyan Province, Gangwon and North Hwanghae provinces hit by days of heavy rains.

The researcher noted especially the timing of this year's flooding, as August is a critical period for growing rice, potatoes and corn. Last year's flooding had occurred in July.