Dhaka, Aug 30 (V7N): UNICEF has issued a severe warning about the plight of over two million children in eastern Bangladesh, where the worst flooding in 34 years has wreaked havoc. The floods have affected 5.6 million people, with over 50 deaths and more than 500,000 people displaced, according to a UNICEF press release issued on Friday.

Unprecedented monsoon rains have caused major rivers in the southeast to overflow, inundating homes, streets, and fields in the Chittagong and Sylhet divisions. Families and children are stranded without sufficient food and emergency supplies. While rescue efforts are underway, access remains difficult in some regions.

Emma Brigham, UNICEF Bangladesh's deputy representative, emphasized the severe impact on children, stating: “These catastrophic floods highlight the extreme consequences of severe weather and the climate crisis on children. Many have lost family members, their homes, and schools, placing them in urgent need.”

UNICEF has been actively providing relief, including water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts, and other essential items. However, additional support is urgently needed to meet the critical needs of children and prevent further harm. Since the onset of the disaster, UNICEF and its partners have reached over 338,000 people, including 130,000 children, distributing 3.6 million water purification tablets, 25,000 jerry cans, and over 250,000 oral rehydration salt sachets. Despite these efforts, immediate needs for cash assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency latrines, and life-saving medicines persist.

The current floods follow previous disasters, including floods in northern Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May, which together have affected over 13 million people, including 5 million children. UNICEF has urgently requested up to $35.3 million to support life-saving interventions for children and vulnerable populations.

The worsening climate crisis increases the frequency and intensity of such disasters, highlighting the critical need for global action to combat its effects. UNICEF has called on world leaders to take decisive measures to address climate change and safeguard the lives of children.

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