ISLAMABAD, June 30: Aid agencies believe international assistance may be required for relief operations in flood- and cyclone-affected areas of Balochistan, with more heavy rains expected over the next few days.

United Nations official Andrew McLeod, speaking to Dawn, said the UN assistance might be required, with a new weather system developing over the region and findings of the full assessment of the damage in the province expected to be ready in the next few days.

“The UN is ready to assist as and how the government desires,” he added. However, he said the government was fully capable of dealing with the situation.

In response to a question about specific needs, the UN official said more anti-snake venom medicines are required.

Foreign Office spokesperson Ms Tasnim Aslam said the government would issue an international appeal if urged by the National Disaster Management Authority, country’s premier disaster relief agency.