SEOUL - The Republic of Korea (ROK) plans to send the first batch of emergency flood aid to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) next week, the unification ministry here said Monday.

The country had pledged to provide flood relief supplies worth 5 billion won ($4.7 million) to its northern neighbor, hit hard by torrential rains between late June and mid-July that reportedly displaced 8,000 people and destroyed 29,000 houses.

Local reports say the aid will be sent after the Chuseok holiday next Monday, one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the two countries.

The first batch includes baby food, and will be delivered via a land route, according to the unification ministry that oversees inter-Korean affairs.