UN ready to aid Pakistan following monsoon rains, floods

The United Nations says that it is ready to assist Pakistan if required, after monsoon rains and floods reportedly killed at least 120 people in the two Asian countries.

“The (UN) Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and its humanitarian partners are reviewing the situation and stand ready to assist if required,” UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told a news briefing.

“Further monsoons are forecast later in the month,” he said.

“UN and humanitarian partners are ready to provide food, basic household items, water, sanitation and emergency health support, if required,” Nesirky added.

The OCHA “has received reports indicating that heavy monsoon rains have killed more than 80 people across Pakistan, displacing hundreds, ravaging thousands of acres of crops and causing huge damage to houses and infrastructure,” said the spokesman. But he said that the Pakistani authorities have not yet requested international assistance.

Officials say that the floods and heavy rains have caused losses in Chitral, southern parts of Punjab, Karachi, some parts in Sindh and Balochistan as well as tribal areas.

The spokesperson said the UN is also ready to help flood-affected people in Afghanistan.

Flash floods have affected villages in Kabul Province of Afghanistan in the past few days.

“As of Aug. 4, at least 40 people are reported to have died, and homes, schools and mosques have been destroyed or badly damaged,” said Nesirky.

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=41131

Posted by Tahir Khan on Aug 6 2013. Filed under Latest News, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.