Voice of America (VOA) reports that a World Food Programme inspection team says it witnessed widespread damage in North Korea from recent heavy rains and flooding.

The VOA quoted a WFP report on its Web site that the team traveled to the cities of Wonsan and Hamheung, both east of the capital Pyongyang, and witnessed flooded rivers that had forced many people from their homes.

WFP North Korea Country Director Claudia von Roehl said on the rising level of the nearby Seongcheon River that the rivers were swollen, brown and gushing down. She added that the inspectors saw people wading through swamped fields trying to salvage whatever they could.

The report also said that given the scale of the flooding, it is likely any foods salvaged from the fields would only be used to feed animals.

The U.S. broadcaster said it is too early to see what impact the floods will have on food production in North Korea, but some regions are likely to be hard hit.