The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has redesignated North Korea one of 37 countries suffering from a food shortage, a U.S.-based news media reported Friday.

Quoting the FAO's second quarter report on the crop outlook and food situation, Radio Free Asia said North Korea's food shortage for this year is expected to reach some 700,000 tons, which may seriously impact food rations for ordinary citizens.

But the reclusive country has secured a mere 23,000 tons donated by international humanitarian assistance organizations which is grossly inadequate to cover the shortfalls.

The FAO said North Korea's crop yield last year was poor due to the severe droughts in the first half and heavy floods in August that pounded parts of country.

Other countries designated by the FAO as food shortage countries include Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, Myanmar and Nepal. (Yonhap)