Over 1.5m children at risk

Over 1.5 million children are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to extensive flooding in the north-eastern part of the country, says a report published by UNICEF.

Along with the Government and non-government partners, UNICEF is working on the ground to respond to the urgent safety, health, nutrition, clean water and education needs of children and their families amid this precarious situation.

According to UNICEF, over four million people in five districts of north-eastern Bangladesh – Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrokona and Maulvibazar – are affected by extensive flooding.

Among which, Sylhet and Sunamganj have been most affected, with water flowing above danger levels in most of their vicinity. Agricultural land and critical infrastructure, including power stations and schools, have been submerged.

Cases of diarrhoea, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been surging in these areas and at least three children have died after being struck by lightning.

Hundreds of schools have been closed, further jeopardizing the education of children. After 18 months of pandemic school closures in the last few years, children are once again missing out on learning, UNICEF published on their official website.

“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.