swept away by an overflowing river. Overall, damage from the storm reached 28 billion won ($24.8 million USD). Heavy rains also affected much of North Korea, worsening ongoing floods. The highest known rainfall total was in Hoeyang, though rain was still falling at the time of the reported amount. The heaviest damage occurred in Kangwon-do, North Hwanghae and South Hwanghae provinces where about 160 blocks of structures were destroyed. According to the country's prime minister, the combined effects of Meari and floods in July killed dozens of people and injured many more. An estimated 2,900 homes were destroyed and 60,000 hectares (148,200 acres) of farmland was submerged or washed away. Overall, approximately 8,000 people were left homeless. Coastal areas of both nations experience large waves. Aftermath Philippines Across the affected regions of the Philippines, more than 170,000 people were evacuated after the storm due to flooding. With many residents stranded by flood waters, multiple branches of the Philippine military provided rescue vehicles, such as trucks and rubber boats, to local authorities. Emergency operations were in full force shortly after the storm passed and relief distribution began by early July. Nearly 31 million PHP ($7.1 million USD) worth of supplies was provided to affected residents. Several thousand sacks of rice previously stockpiled by disaster relief organizations and the military were distributed across the country. By June 28, the Government of the Philippines declared a state of calamity for the Province of Pampanga, Camiling, Paniqui, Concepcion, La Paz, San Clemente and San Mateo. In San Mateo, the Philippine Navy deployed a team of 198 soldiers to assist in evacuation efforts. Korean Peninsula In the wake of widespread flooding, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak expressed his sadness over the loss of life from Meari. By early August, the Government of North Korea began a relief operation to assist residents affected by the July floods and Tropical Storm Meari. Food, drinking water, utensils, clothing and necessities were distributed in the hardest hit regions in South Hwanghae Province. Building supplies were also sent to initiate reconstruction. For the first time since the ROKS Cheonan sinking in March 2010, South Korea offered emergency aid to North Korea. The proposed aid included 5 billion won ($4.7 million USD) worth of quilts, medicine, instant noodles and healthy meals; however, the request made by the North Korean government was for rice and cement. By early October, the proposed aid