( CNN ) -- North Korea on Wednesday refused aid from the South Korean government , reversing its previous decision . The impoverished nation was plagued by powerful Tropical Storm Bolaven in August , which killed at least 48 people and left tens of thousands homeless . South Korea offered aid to North Korea last week . The North initially agreed but requested a list of aid items . Seoul on Tuesday followed up , offering 10,000 tons of flour , 3 million packages of instant noodles , medical supplies and other aid , according to the South Korean Unification Ministry . North Korea agrees to take South Korea aid . `` North Korea replied saying that they do n't need such aid , '' according to a news release from the ministry . `` We were hoping the aid would be able to help North Korean people . We are very regretful to hear about their rejection , '' it added . Seoul also offered aid , in the form of instant noodles and biscuits , to its impoverished neighbor last year , but it was rebuffed after North Korea requested rice and cement instead , according to the Yonhap News Agency . The country is reported to be in desperate need of aid to cope with flooding . The United Nations World Food Program has called for emergency help for North Korea . The storm also followed widespread flooding in late July from heavy rains , which caused the death of at least 169 people , according to KCNA , the state-run North Korean media agency .
In August , Tropical Storm Bolaven killed at least 48 people , left tens of thousands homeless . South Korea offered aid , and the North requested a list of food items . South Korea offered the North food , instant noodles , medical supplies and other aid . ` ` North Koreans replied saying that they do n't need such aid , '' South Korean Unification Ministry says .