More than 20,00,000 people, including over 7,72,000 children, have been affected by flash floods in north-east region of Bangladesh.聽
In a press release on Friday, UNICEF expressed deep concern over the devastating flood situation and emphasised the urgent need for assistance.
鈥楢s waters rise, children are the most vulnerable, facing heightened risks of drowning, malnutrition, deadly waterborne diseases, the trauma of displacement, and potential abuse in overpopulated shelters,鈥� said UNICEF representative to Bangladesh Sheldon Yett.
鈥楥hild Protection Social Workers are offering support to mitigate potential violence and counseling to help children overcome trauma during this difficult time,鈥� said Yett.
鈥楾he rivers are flowing dangerously high, and the situation is expected to worsen over the next 24 to 48 hours.鈥�
He further said that in coordination and partnership with the Bangladesh government and local stakeholders, UNICEF distributed safe water to over 1,00,000 people for over five days.
While schools are closed for Eid-ul-Azha vacation from June 13 till July 2, over 810 government schools in the Sylhet division have been flooded and almost 500 are being used as flood shelters, according to the release.
In addition, almost 140 community clinics were also affected by flood waters, read the release.