Pyongyang, August 30 (KCNA) -- Hurricane Irene, a massive and deadly storm, churned northward along the U.S. East Coast Saturday night.

The Los Angeles Times reported Irene was blamed for at least eight deaths in North Carolina, Virginia and Florida, and had left a million customers without power.

Dwelling houses were destroyed and traffic was paralyzed.

Forest fire broke out in different parts of Greece owing to recent sultry weather, causing damage.

Tens of hectares of forests caught fire as of August 26 and many people went for urgent shelter.

A state of emergency was declared in two severely affected regions.