Devastating Floods in Eastern Bangladesh Put Two Million Children at Risk

Over two million children are at risk as eastern Bangladesh faces its worst floods in three decades, affecting 5.6 million people, UNICEF’s official website reported yesterday.

Unprecedented monsoon rains have caused major rivers to overflow, resulting in over 52 fatalities and displacing more than 500,000 individuals in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions. Thousands remain stranded without food or emergency relief.

UNICEF has urgently called for US$35 million to provide life-saving supplies. They have already reached over 338,000 people, including 130,000 children, distributing essential items like 3.6 million water purification tablets and 250,000 oral rehydration salts. However, urgent needs for cash assistance, safe drinking water, and healthcare services remain.

Emma Brigham, UNICEF’s Deputy Representative in Bangladesh, emphasized the devastating impact of climate change on children’s lives, urging global leaders to take immediate action to mitigate these effects. The ongoing monsoon season threatens to exacerbate the situation further.