UNICEF helps children affected by devastating floods in Bangladesh

UNICEF is working with partners to provide emergency assistance to children and families in eastern Bangladesh following the worst flooding in 34 years. More help is needed.

Poor families need urgent support

Since August 17, 2024, monsoon rains of unprecedented intensity combined with the release of water from upstream sources have submerged the eastern part of the country. BangladeshFlooded rivers burst their banks, submerging homes, streets and fields, forcing families to evacuate in search of higher ground.

Nearly 5.8 million people, including 2.3 million children, in 11 districts are struggling with the consequences of the floods.

“The devastating floods in eastern Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children.”

“The devastating floods in eastern Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Bangladesh.

“Far too many children have lost loved ones, their homes, their schools, and are now completely destitute,” Brigham continued. “UNICEF is on the front lines providing water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, but more funding is needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures.”

Access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, an absolute priority

UNICEF and partners, including the Bangladesh Department of Public Health Engineering, have reached more than 898,000 flood-affected people with key interventions. WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene). These include drinking water from mobile water treatment plants, jerrycans, hygiene kits, over 3.7 million water purification tablets, floating latrines and temporary tube wells.

Living in stagnant water poses a dangerous health risk for children. “Currently, most children are suffering from acute watery diarrhoea,” said Dr Hasnain Ahmed, UNICEF Bangladesh’s health officer in Noakhali, Chittagong Division. “Hospitals are really struggling to manage these cases. There is also an increase in respiratory diseases, skin infections and snake bites.”

UNICEF supports health care, child protection services, malnutrition screenings and more

Health facilities are overwhelmed. Patients are being treated outside and doctors are calling for more health support, more medicines and additional medical supplies.

More than 32,000 children under 5 and pregnant women have benefited from primary health care services in UNICEF-supported facilities and supplies. UNICEF also provides child protection services, screening and treatment of malnourished children and provides primary health services. humanitarian cash transfers to help families meet immediate needs.

Pre-positioned emergency education kits will be distributed to flood-affected schools to help children resume learning.

Emergency situation worsens in Bangladesh

The recent floods come shortly after those in northern Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May. Together, these three emergencies have affected more than 13 million people in Bangladesh, including 5 million children.

In response to these three emergencies, UNICEF urgently requires $35.3 million for critical, life-saving, multi-sectoral interventions for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women.

Children caught in the crosshairs of the climate crisis

Climate change is increasing the frequency, severity and unpredictability of cyclones, floods and other extreme weather events affecting Bangladesh, underscoring that the climate crisis is fundamentally a child rights crisis.

According to UNICEF Climate Risk Index for ChildrenChildren in Bangladesh are the most exposed in the world to climate and environmental risks.

Whenever children are in need, wherever they are, UNICEF is there to help. Support UNICEF today.