UNITED NATIONS: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives caused by devastating flash floods in Pakistan and India, assuring that the UN stands ready to extend assistance if sought.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, the Secretary-General conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with all those affected by the disaster.

“We are prepared to provide assistance should it be requested,” the statement read.

According to reports, more than 300 people have lost their lives in Pakistan’s northwest following two days of torrential rains and flash floods.

The remote mountainous areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were hardest hit, with cloudbursts, landslides, and lightning strikes marking the deadliest spell of this year’s monsoon season.

In September 2022, the UN chief visited Pakistan to assess the catastrophic floods that had ravaged the country.

He witnessed the impact of the floods in Sindh and Balochistan provinces, where over 1,300 lives were lost and millions were displaced.