The United Nations stands ready to help Pakistan and India as the two South Asian countries struggle to provide relief to people affected by floods, a world body spokesman said. But Spokesman Stephane Dujarric said neither Pakistan nor India made any appeal for international help. The floods, resulting from the late-monsoon rains, have left more than 300 people dead in India and Pakistan.
With hundreds of villages submerged, thousands of people have been displaced in Pakistan where the Pakistani Army is leading the effort to rescue people and provide them relief materials. "Our colleagues at OCHA [Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs] are working closely with the Pakistani Government," the spokesman said on Monday, while responding to a question. "And I'm sure, as we speak, my OCHA colleagues are watching (the situation)", he said. "But, obviously, we stand by UN stands by to help Pakistan and impacted people." Likewise, the spokesman said UN officials in New Delhi are in touch with Indian authorities "to see how best we can help."