Mark Lowcock, the U.N. aid chief, arrived in Pyongyang on Monday, Kyodo News confirmed, amid fears that the food situation in North Korea has become precarious.

Lowcock, the U.N. undersecretary general of humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, is expected to talk with the country's officials and residents about the current food aid program run by the United Nations.

It is the first time since 2011 for the U.N. aid chief to visit North Korea. Lowcock is scheduled to stay in the Asian nation for four days through Thursday.

"Many people (in North Korea) suffer from chronic malnutrition due to lack of essential proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals," the U.N. World Food Program says on its website.

North Korea has faced food shortage against a backdrop of natural disasters such as floods.