Bangladesh floods leave 2 million children at risk: Unicef

Unicef has issued a stark warning that more than two million children in eastern Bangladesh are at severe risk as devastating floods, the worst in 34 years, sweep through homes, schools, and villages.

The floods have affected a total of 5.6 million people in the region.

Triggered by unprecedented monsoon rains, major rivers in the southeastern part of the country have overflowed, leading to widespread devastation. 

At least 52 people have been reported dead, while more than 500,000 people are seeking shelter as rising waters from swollen rivers have submerged homes, streets, and fields in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions. Millions of children and families remain stranded without food and emergency relief supplies.

"The 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 loved ones, their homes, schools, and now are completely destitute," said Emma Brigham, deputy representative of Unicef Bangladesh.

Highlighting the broader implications of climate change, Brigham added, "Year on year, the lives of millions of children in Bangladesh are being ravaged by floods, heatwaves, and cyclones. Climate change is clearly changing children's lives. We call on global leaders to act urgently, and take strong measures to mitigate the effects of climate change before it is too late for children."

Government personnel and volunteers are conducting rescue operations, but access to affected areas remains difficult in some regions. With the monsoon season continuing, more people are expected to be affected in the coming days.

Unicef has been on the ground since the onset of the disaster, joining an initial assessment mission with the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives. 

Along with its partners, Unicef has provided life-saving supplies to more than 338,000 people, including 130,000 children. These supplies include 3.6 million water purification tablets, 25,000 jerry cans for water storage, and more than 250,000 oral rehydration salt sachets.

However, the need for assistance remains dire. People and children urgently require cash assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency latrines, sanitary pads, and life-saving medicines. Primary healthcare services, crucial for treating sick newborns and children and assisting pregnant women, must be restored immediately.

These floods come on the heels of earlier disasters, including floods in northern Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May. Together, these emergencies have impacted more than 13 million people across the country, including five million children.

In response to these crises, Unicef is urgently seeking $35.3 million for critical, life-saving, and multi-sectoral interventions for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.