Torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides have affected millions of children across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, with over 6 million at risk, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) warns.
UNICEF expresses deep concern for the wellbeing and safety of these children, who face risks beyond death and injury, including disease outbreaks, dehydration, malnutrition, and exploitation, an official press release stated.
As reported in the press release, floods have already claimed lives, including children, and displaced families across the region. UNICEF is working with governments and partners to provide support and relief, but calls for increased preparedness and funding to safeguard children’s lives, according to the release.
The UNICEF highlighted that more than 6 million children are at risk across South Asia. Floods compromise safe water supplies, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks, UNICEF warned. Children face malnutrition, exploitation, and trafficking due to the floods, the release added. UNICEF is providing support, but calls for increased funding and preparedness to address the crisis, according to the press release. Climate change is exacerbating erratic weather events, putting children at extreme risk, UNICEF cautioned.