Adam Hartley | New Delhi
UNICEF has expressed deep concern over the severe impact of torrential rains, flash floods, and landslides across Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, which have left millions of children and their families in dire straits. The organization emphasized the urgent need for immediate and sustained support to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.
“Our sympathies go out to children and families who have lost loved ones due to extreme weather events in South Asia,” UNICEF stated. “We are also deeply concerned about the well-being and safety of over 6 million children and their families in these countries who have either lost their homes or been displaced and are struggling to survive.”
UNICEF warned that floods pose significant health risks to children beyond death and injury by compromising safe water supplies, increasing the risk of disease and diarrhoea outbreaks, which, if left untreated, can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Additionally, children affected by frequent flooding are more likely to be underweight and stunted. Floods also damage sanitation facilities, destroy schools and roads, and disrupt children’s education, increasing their vulnerability to abuse, exploitation, and child trafficking.
UNICEF’s statement came as India and Nepal reported significant casualties from recent landslides. In India, 288 people have been killed, while Nepal has reported 109 deaths, including 35 children, due to massive landslides described as some of the worst natural disasters in the region’s history.
“Floods and subsequent landslides across Nepal have reportedly killed at least 109 people, including 35 children, with many more injured. At least 1,580 families have been impacted,” UNICEF reported. The organization is working with the Nepalese government and partners to support affected families, providing aid to 4,540 people, including 1,810 children, with essential supplies and psychosocial support.
In Bangladesh, the torrential rains and subsequent floods since May have devastated the lives of 6.1 million children in the northern and northeastern regions. UNICEF is collaborating with the government and partners to deliver much-needed relief and support.
In India, record-high rainfall since June has caused flash floods in Assam, affecting half a million children and their families. Over 8,000 children have been in relief camps for weeks. The monsoon season, with recurring floods, poses ongoing threats. UNICEF is on the ground, supporting the Assam government’s response efforts.
Afghanistan has also been severely hit, with recent flash floods in the eastern region claiming 58 lives and affecting more than 1,900 families. Thousands of children are affected by multiple flash floods that swept through Baghlan, Badakhshan, and Ghor provinces in June.
In Pakistan, heavy rains and floods since April have claimed at least 124 lives, including 74 children. The ongoing monsoon rains further threaten children’s lives and health. UNICEF is working closely with the government and partners to enhance preparedness measures.
“These erratic weather events, exacerbated by climate change, are changing the lives of children in South Asia,” UNICEF warned. “Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan are among the South Asian countries where children are at extremely high risk of the impacts of the climate crisis, according to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index.”
As the monsoon season continues, UNICEF is concerned about predictions of heavier rains in the coming weeks, which could further jeopardize children. The organization calls on governments to prepare and respond swiftly to safeguard children’s lives. UNICEF also highlighted the need for $9.3 million from the international community to support emergency preparedness and strengthen climate-resilience programmes for children across the region.
