A Seoul-based North Korean human rights group says heavy downpour last month has inflicted serious damage to the North's border city of Gaeseong and its surrounding area.

"Good Friends" said in its North Korea news magazine that the downpour around July 24th flooded downtown Gaeseong, temporarily paralyzing traffic.

The group said in Gaepoong County next to Gaeseong, bridges and homes were destroyed.

Cars reportedly drove around the areas yelling for people to evacuate, and five soldiers were injured as water overtook them while they were rebuilding a dike in Gaeseong.

The North's Korean Central TV reported flood damage Thursday in various parts of Gaeseong.