Bangladesh floods: 54 have died, and UNICEF says 2 million children are at risk

Tumultuous floods in Bangladesh have caused havoc, ravaging 11 districts and affecting over five million people.

Amidst socio-political unrest in the country, Bangladesh is also facing the challenge of tumultuous floods that have swept major parts of the nation. Heavy rainfall and swollen rivers have created havoc, ravaging 11 districts and affecting the lives of over five million people.

Disastrous floods in Bangladesh.

54 people have died due to the disastrous floods that have swept significant parts of Bangladesh so far, said the authorities on Friday, while UNICEF warned that over 2 million children were at risk. According to data released by the disaster management ministry, 19 deaths, the highest number, were reported from the Feni district. The dead included six women and seven children.

Over five million lives affected.

The relentless rainfall, devastating floods, and swollen rivers in Bangladesh have ravaged 11 districts in eastern Bangladesh, affecting the lives of more than 5 million people. More than a million families have been left homeless in 64 sub-districts in the flood-hit areas. The 11 districts affected include Feni, Chittagong, Sylhet, Cox’s Bazar, Noakhali, Cumilla, Habiganj, and Brahmanbaria; however, the ministry said that the flood situation in Habiganj, Chattogram, and Shylet showed signs of improvement.

UNICEF warns about children being at risk.

UNICEF warned that more than 2 million children were at risk as floods swept through homes, villages, and schools, saying, “In all these floods, the worst in eastern Bangladesh in 34 years, have affected 5.6 million people.” Millions of children are stranded without food and emergency relief supplies. Rescue operations are being conducted by government personnel and volunteers. It is said more people will be affected in the coming days.

UNICEF provides oral rehydration, water purification tablets, salts, and other essential supplies. However, the organization continued in its statement, “More funds are needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures.”