UNICEF warns that catastrophic floods in Bangladesh put two million children at risk

A succession of climate crises has put five million children at risk over the past three months

Aug. 30 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) warned on Friday that more than two million children in the east of the country are in danger due to the worst floods recorded in more than three decades, which have already affected more than 5.5 million people.

More than 50 people have died and more than 500,000 are seeking shelter, and millions of children and families are stranded without food or emergency supplies as further torrential rains approach in the coming days.

“The devastating floods in eastern Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme natural events and the climate crisis on children,” said UNICEF Deputy Country Representative Emma Brigham.

While the UN agency is working tirelessly to distribute water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, “more funding is needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their future.”

Families urgently need financial assistance, clean water, hygiene kits, latrines, sanitary pads, oral rehydration salts and emergency medicines. Primary health care services to treat sick newborns and children, and to help pregnant women give birth, must be restored immediately.

SUCCESS OF EMERGENCIES

UNICEF recalls that the recent floods come on top of those that already occurred in northern Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May. Together, the three emergencies have affected more than 13 million people across Bangladesh, including five million children. UNICEF urgently needs almost 32 million euros to alleviate the situation.

“Year after year, the lives of millions of children in Bangladesh are being devastated by floods, heat waves and cyclones. Climate change is clearly transforming children’s lives,” Brigham said.

“We urgently call on world leaders to act and take decisive steps to mitigate the effects of climate change before it is too late for children,” he added.