The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) will establish a nationwide wireless network in North Korea.

Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported Friday that the international organization would become the first to establish such a communication network in the North.

The report said the IFRC had tried to persuade the North Korean government that a network was needed to link Red Cross offices within the country. The relief agency said it would help them prevent and respond effectively to natural disasters.

An IFRC official in the North said Pyongyang granted its approval after last summer's severe flooding.

In addition, the official said, the new network can be useful to other international agencies. Some have called for increasing monitoring staff and establishing such communication links.

RFA forecast the new network could also help connect the reclusive country with the outside world. Its high-frequency equipment could be upgraded to link to advanced satellite communication systems.