UNICEF Urges Urgent Action as South Asia Faces Crisis from Floods and Landslides

(CTN News) – UNICEF is concerned about the impact of heavy rains, flash floods, and landslides on children and young people in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan.

“We extend our condolences to the children and families who have lost loved ones as a result of harsh weather occurrences in South Asia.

“We are also very concerned about the well-being and safety of almost 6 million children and families in these nations, who have lost their homes or been displaced and are fighting to live.

“Floods endanger children’s health beyond death and injuries. They jeopardise safe water supply. This increases the danger of illness and diarrhoea epidemics, which, if left untreated, can lead to dehydration and malnutrition among youngsters.

Children who experience frequent flooding are more likely to be underweight and stunted. Floods cause sanitary problems, demolish schools and roads, and impede children’s education. Flooded homes can expose children to abuse, exploitation, and child trafficking.

Floods and landslides in Nepal have claimed the lives of at least 109 people, including 35 children, and injured many more. At least 1,580 families have been affected. UNICEF is on the ground, working with the government and partners to help affected children and families. UNICEF has already provided bed nets, tarpaulins for temporary shelter, buckets, mugs, water purification tablets, and psychosocial assistance to 4,540 people, including 1,810 children.

Over 6 Million Children Displaced by Extreme Weather Across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan

Since May, severe rains and floods have wrecked the lives of 6.1 million children in Bangladesh’s northern and northeastern areas. UNICEF collaborates closely with the government and partners to provide assistance and relief to children and families in need.

“Assam, India has experienced flash floods due to record-breaking rainfall since June.” Floods have disrupted the lives of half a million youngsters and their families. Over 8,000 youngsters spent weeks in relief camps. The monsoon season, which includes periodic bouts of flooding, can extend for several months. UNICEF is on the ground, assisting the Assam government, which is leading the response.

A recent flash flood in Afghanistan’s eastern area killed 58 people and affected over 1,900 families. In June, flash floods in Baghlan and Badakshan, as well as Ghor, harmed tens of thousands of youngsters.

UNICEF’s Flood Relief Efforts: Aid Distribution and Support in Crisis Zones

Heavy rains and floods in Pakistan have killed at least 124 people, including 74 children, since April. Monsoon rains are currently sweeping over the country, putting more children’s lives and health at risk. UNICEF is collaborating closely with the government and our partners to strengthen preparedness measures.

“These unpredictable weather occurrences, exacerbated by climate change, are affecting the lives of children in South Asia. According to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index, four South Asian countries—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan—have extremely high risk of climate-related impacts on children.

“We’re barely halfway through the monsoon season, but the rain, devastation, and destruction have been catastrophic. UNICEF is concerned about forecasts of more rain in the coming weeks, which could endanger children. UNICEF is on the ground helping children and families, but more has to be done. To protect children’s lives, we urge governments to plan ahead of time and act fast.

“We are also concerned that limited financial resources will impede future responses. UNICEF requests $9.3 million from the international community to assist emergency preparedness and strengthen climate resilience programs for children in the region.