Cyclone Amphan: 19 million children at risk in Bangladesh and India, says UNICEF

UNICEF in one of its reports on Thursday said, Cyclone Amphan will leave at least 19 million children at risk in Bangladesh and India. The UNICEF also raised concerns about the children's vulnerability in crowded shelters, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hyderabad: UNICEF on Thursday warned that at least 19 million children in parts of Bangladesh and India are at imminent risk from flash flooding, storm surges and heavy rain of Cyclone Amphan.

UNICEF is also very concerned that COVID-19 could deepen the humanitarian consequences of Cyclone Amphan in both countries. Evacuees who have moved to crowded temporary shelters would be especially vulnerable to the spread of respiratory diseases like COVID-19, as well as other infections.

“We continue to monitor the situation closely,” said Jean Gough, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia. “The safety of children and their families in the areas that will be impacted is a priority and it is good to see that the authorities have planned their urgent response factoring in the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.”

Based on the storm’s current trajectory, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh – now sheltering over 850.000 Rohingya refugees – is likely to experience high winds and heavy rains which may cause damage to homes and shelters in the refugee camps and Bangladeshi communities. This population is already highly vulnerable and cases of COVID-19 have recently been confirmed in the camps and host communities.

Across the region, UNICEF is working closely with the governments of Bangladesh and India and stands ready to support humanitarian operations to reach children and families affected by Cyclone Amphan.