North Korea train blast damage $572m

North Korea said yesterday that last week's massive train explosion caused about US$356 million ($572 million) in damage, an announcement that could be part of an effort to garner as much aid as possible for the impoverished nation.

But so far the value of relief goods pledged by the international community falls far short of the North Korean estimate.

South Korea has pledged US$1 million of aid, and the United States says it will give the Red Cross US$100,000 to help the homeless in North Korea. Germany said it would send US$119,000 to finance food deliveries and building material.

China has already sent aid, and Japan, Russia, Australia and the US have also offered supplies. The World Food Programme plans to provide US$1 million worth of food to victims over the next month and beyond.