The United Nations International Children鈥檚 Emergency Fund has issued a warning that over two million children in eastern Bangladesh are at risk as the worst floods in 34 years have affected 5.6 million people in the region.
The United Nations agency, responsible for providing humanitarian and development aid to children worldwide, in a press release issued on Friday, called for $35 million for life-saving supplies as thousands of people and millions of children remained stranded without food or emergency relief supplies.
The Bangladesh authorities so far confirmed 54 deaths due to the flooding caused by the unprecedented monsoon rains.
Over 5,00,000 people are聽 seeking shelter, after rising waters from swollen rivers submerged their homes, streets and fields in Chattogram and Sylhet divisions.
The UNICEF warned that in the coming days, more people would be affected as the monsoon season continued.
鈥楾he devastating floods in the eastern parts of Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children. Far too many children have lost their loved ones, their homes, schools, and now are completely destitute,鈥� said UNICEF deputy representative in Bangladesh Emma Brigham.
鈥楿NICEF is on the frontlines providing water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, but more funds are needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures,鈥� Emma added.
UNICEF in collaboration with the government has reached over 3,38,000 people, including 30,000 children, with life-saving supplies such as 3.6 million water purification tablets, 25,000 jerry-cans to store water and over 2,50,000 oral rehydration salt sachets.
People and children urgently require more cash assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency latrines, sanitary pads, oral rehydration salt and emergency life-saving medicines.
UNICEF urged the authorities concerned to restore primary healthcare services to treat sick newborns and children and help pregnant women to give birth immediately.
The recent floods have come close on the heels of the floods聽in north Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May, and聽the three emergencies have impacted over 13 million people across Bangladesh, including 5 million children.
In response to these three emergencies, UNICEF urgently requires up to $35.3 million for critical, life-saving, and multi-sectoral interventions for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
