UN ready to aid Pakistan, Afghanistan following monsoon rains, floods: spokesma

The United Nations said on Monday that it is ready to assist Pakistan and Afghanistan 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 Monday news briefing. "Further monsoons are forecast later in the month."

"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.

Meanwhile, 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.