UNICEF: Millions of children at risk from floods in Bangladesh

Dhaka-Sana

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has warned that more than 1.5 million children are at increased risk of water-borne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to widespread flooding in northeastern Bangladesh.

More than four million people have been affected in five districts in the north-east of the country by widespread flooding, while Sylhet and Sonamganj districts were the worst affected, as the waters reached above dangerous levels and inundated lands, the United Nations News Center quoted Sheldon Yate, UNICEF representative in Bangladesh, as saying. Agricultural and critical infrastructure including power plants and schools.

He added that cases of diarrhea, respiratory infections and skin diseases have been reported, noting that at least three children died due to the thunderbolt.

Hundreds of schools have closed, further jeopardizing children's education, Yate said, adding that UNICEF is working on the ground with governmental and non-governmental partners to respond to the urgent needs in the areas of safety, health, nutrition, clean water and education for children and their families.

UNICEF supports the Government of Bangladesh by providing clean water, hygiene kits, milk and learning tools as well as working closely with the Department of Social Services to ensure that social workers are prepared to protect children's safety and security.

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