UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, has announced that heavy rains and flooding have put the lives of more than six million children in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan at risk. The organization has called for immediate action to protect children in these countries.
Sanjay Wijesekera, UNICEF’s regional director for South Asia, described the situation of children and adolescents affected by recent floods in these countries as “concerning” in a statement. He emphasized, “We are deeply worried about the well-being and safety of over six million children and their families in these countries who have lost their homes or been displaced and are struggling to survive.”
UNICEF has requested $9.3 million to support emergency preparedness for children across the region. The organization has released statistics on the financial and human toll caused by recent floods in six South Asian countries, including Afghanistan.
According to this data, recent floods in Baghlan, Badakhshan, and western provinces of Afghanistan have resulted in 58 deaths and affected 1,900 families. The statement noted: “Flooding poses risks beyond injury and death for children’s health. Floods threaten clean water sources, increasing the risk of disease and diarrhea outbreaks.”
UNICEF added, “When homes are submerged, displacement can expose children to abuse, exploitation, and trafficking.”
This solar year, various provinces of Afghanistan have experienced heavy rainfall and devastating floods. These floods have caused significant casualties and damage, displacing hundreds of people.
