North Korea accepts South Korea’s offer

North Korea has responded to an offer from South Korea for emergency food and medical aid, saying it would prefer to receive rice and building materials.



The South Korean offer, worth more than $8 million was made last week after severe flooding in the North.



South Korea says it’s considering the North's request.



North Korea's Red Cross says it prefers rice, cement and heavy construction equipment, items it says are necessary for flood recovery efforts.



The South's offer excluded rice, a staple which Seoul has stopped sending to Pyongyang amid strained relations.



The aid is the first large-scale shipment since South Korea blamed its impoverished northern neighbour for sinking one of its warships in March.



North Korea has denied any role in the incident and has demanded its own investigation.