Another crisis has come in Bangladesh after the coup of Sheikh Hasina government. So far 54 people have lost their lives due to floods in the neighboring country, while UNICEF also warned on Friday that more than 20 lakh children are in danger. According to data released by the Ministry of Disaster Management, the highest number of 19 deaths have occurred in Feni district. The dead include six women and seven children. Floods caused by heavy rains and overflowing rivers have devastated 11 districts of eastern Bangladesh, affecting more than 50 lakh people. More than one million families have become homeless in 64 sub-districts of flood-affected areas. The 11 districts affected by the floods include Feni, Cumilla, Noakhali, Brahmanbaria, Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sylhet and Habiganj.
The ministry said there were signs of improvement in the flood situation in Shaylet, Hobganj and Chittagong. UNICEF has warned that the floods are putting more than 2 million children at risk in their homes, schools and villages. “The worst flooding in eastern Bangladesh in 34 years has affected 5.6 million people in total,” UNICEF said in a statement. It said millions of children and families are stranded without food and emergency relief supplies. Government workers and volunteers are carrying out rescue operations, although some areas remain difficult to reach. It further said that in the coming days, more people will be affected due to the monsoon season.
“The devastating floods in eastern Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the persistent impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children. Too many children have lost loved ones, their homes, their schools and are now completely helpless,” said Emma Brigham, UNICEF Bangladesh Deputy Representative. UNICEF is providing water purification tablets and other essential supplies, but more money is needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures, the statement said.
In response to emergencies, UNICEF said it urgently needs $35.3 million for critical, lifesaving and multi-sectoral interventions for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Bangladesh’s interim government is grappling with unprecedented floods as well as a volatile law and order situation and political instability. More than 600 people were killed in protests and violence related to the ouster of the previous government.
