Floods in north: 1.5m children are at risk
Over 1.5 million children are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to extensive flooding in north-eastern Bangladesh, said Unicef Bangladesh in a statement yesterday.
Over four million people in five districts of north-eastern Bangladesh -- Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrokona and Moulvibazar -- have been affected by extensive flooding.
Sylhet and Sunamganj are the worst hit, with water flowing above dangerous levels. Agricultural land and critical infrastructure, including power stations and schools, have been submerged.
Cases of diarrhoea, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been reported. At least three children have died after being struck by lightning, the statement said.
Hundreds of schools have been closed, further jeopardising children's education after 18 months of school closures in the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
"The damage to lives, homes and schools is heartbreaking. In this disaster, as in most others, children are the most vulnerable," said Sheldon Yett, Unicef representative to Bangladesh.
"Unicef is on the ground to protect children and to meet their urgent needs, supporting the government and working closely with our local partners."
Unicef is supporting the Bangladesh government's flood response by supplying clean water, hygiene kits, therapeutic milk and learning kits.
The statement said Unicef also works closely with the Department of Social Services to protect the safety and security of children. Raising awareness about drowning prevention in communities is at the centre of the response.
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