New Delhi: Torrential rains and floods across South Asia are posing severe risks to over 6 million children in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, as per a new statement by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). The UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia, Sanjay Wijesekera, has expressed deep concern over the safety and wellbeing of these children and their families, urging immediate action to safeguard them amid predictions of more rain in the coming weeks.
According to United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund, “Floods compromise safe water supplies, increase disease risks, and disrupt critical infrastructure like schools and sanitation facilities. This leads to malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and hampers children’s education. Floods also heighten the vulnerability of displaced children to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.” The agency reports that floods and subsequent landslides have already caused significant casualties and displacement, with Nepal alone reporting over 100 deaths, including 35 children.
In Bangladesh, the situation is dire with 6.1 million children affected since May. In India, the state of Assam has seen half a million children displaced, with thousands in relief camps. The situation is similar in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where recent floods have taken numerous lives and affected thousands of families. UNICEF is actively collaborating with governments and partners in these countries, providing emergency relief and psychosocial support to the affected populations.
The agency has also highlighted the exacerbating effect of climate change on these weather events, placing children at the forefront of the climate crisis in the region. With the monsoon season only halfway through, and heavier rains expected, UNICEF has called for increased international support, requesting $9.3 million to enhance emergency preparedness and climate resilience for children across South Asia.