Mr Putin sent his condolences to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the devastating floods that caused significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure. "I ask you to convey my condolences and encouragement to all those who lost their loved ones due to the typhoon. You can always count on our help and support," Mr Putin said in a telegram to Mr Kim.

KCNA news agency said "a message of condolence from Moscow was conveyed to the DPRK Foreign Ministry" on August 3, noting that the information was immediately reported to leader Kim.

In response to the Russian President's offer of humanitarian assistance, Kim Jong Un said he "felt special feelings towards a sincere friend." He thanked the offer but said that North Korea had now set up state measures for a recovery plan.

Mr. Kim Jong Un said that "if he needs support at this stage, he will send a request to his most sincere friends in Moscow," KCNA reported.

This week, North Korea has seen record-breaking heavy rains starting on July 27 that have killed several people, flooded homes and submerged large swaths of farmland in the north near China.

While South Korean media said the number of dead and missing could reach 1,500, North Korea insisted there were no casualties in the Sinuiju area, which Pyongyang claimed suffered "the greatest flood damage".

Hoai Phuong (according to KCNA, AFP)