Both Koreas suffering worst drought in a century

In this Friday, June 22, 2012 photo, rice plants grow from the cracked and dry earth in Rongchon-ri, North Korea, in the country's Hwangju County. Both Koreas are suffering from the worst dry spell since record keeping began more than a century ago, according to officials in Seoul and Pyongyang. AP PHOTO/KIM KWANG HYON

SEOUL, South Korea—North Korea has dispatched soldiers to water parched fields and South Korean officials are scrambling to protect endangered species as the worst dry spell in a century grips the Korean peninsula.

Weather officials in Pyongyang say parts of North Korea are experiencing the most severe drought since record keeping began nearly 105 years ago.

The protracted drought is heightening concerns about North Korea’s ability to feed its people. The United Nations says two-thirds of the country’s 24 million people face chronic food shortages.

AP journalists visiting drought-hit areas in North Korea have seen female soldiers with yellow towels tied around their heads carrying buckets to help water the fields.

South Korean officials also reported Tuesday that areas have seen the worst drought in more than a century.