INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 1Heavy rainfall in the past days has caused widespread flooding in Nepal, affecting thousands of
children and their families, UNICEF said today.
170 dead, 42 missing in flood and landslides across Nepal
At least 148 are dead in floods and landslides in Nepal
According to early estimates by authorities, around 217 people, including 35 children,
have lost their lives, with many others injured or missing
Hundreds of houses have been damaged, displacing thousands of children and their families, leaving them vulnerable to the elements
In addition, landslides and rubble have blocked major roads and are hampering critical search and rescue efforts
The incessant rains, which lashed down non-stop since 27 September, have been one of the heaviest rains Nepal has seen in the past few
decades."On behalf of UNICEF Nepal, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones, including children
Children and young people desperately need support
In addition to losing their homes, we cannot underestimate the trauma children have endured and the mental health support they need
At times like this, girls and boys are ever more vulnerable to violence, exploitation and abuse," said UNICEF Representative to Nepal Alice
"UNICEF is on the ground and working around the clock with Government and partners to reach the most affected children and their families
with life-saving supplies and services."
The impact on children is already being felt
An estimated 13 hospitals have been damaged and water supply has been widely affected threatening children's health and nutrition
Damage to 54 schools has deprived over 10,000 girls and boys of a safe space to learn, play and heal, it added.UNICEF is working closely
with the Government of Nepal and other humanitarian partners to assess the situation and provide urgent response
to children and their families."I am deeply worried about the children who will sleep outside tonight and in the coming days; we must act
quickly," said Alice Akunga
"In UNICEF, the Government of Nepal and local partners have a trusted agency that is ready to step-up and scale-up the emergency response
for every child so that, together, we mitigate the impact of this terrible weather event."
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://thehimalayantimes.com
