x

Flooding: Over 1.5 Million Nigerian Children At Risk, Says UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNIEF) says over 1.5 million Nigerian children are at risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition as floods hit over 20 of the 36 states in the country.

UNICEF in a statement on Friday also said more than 2.5 million people in Nigeria are in need of humanitarian assistance – 60 per cent of which are children.

“The floods, which have affected 34 out of the 36 states in the country, have displaced 1.3 million people.

“Over 600 people have lost their lives and over 200,000 houses have either been partially or fully damaged.

“Cases of diarrhoea and water-borne diseases, respiratory infection, and skin diseases have already been on the rise. In the north-eastern states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe alone, a total of 7,485 cases of cholera and 319 associated deaths were reported as of 12 October.

As rains are expected to continue for several weeks, humanitarian needs are also expected to rise. Children and adolescents in flood-affected areas are in an extremely vulnerable situation,” said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate.

“They are particularly at risk of waterborne diseases and emotional and psychological distress. UNICEF is working closely with the Government and other partners to provide life-saving assistance to those who are most in need.”

The floods are adding another layer of complexity to an already precarious humanitarian situation in the country.

According to UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index (CCRI), Nigeria is considered at ‘extremely high risk’ of the impacts of climate change, ranking second out of 163 countries.

“Children in ‘extremely high risk’ countries face a deadly combination of exposure to multiple climate and environmental shocks combined with high levels of underlying child vulnerability, due to inadequate essential services, such as water and sanitation, healthcare and education,” the UN body said.

Hot this week

Editors Urge Government To Create Safe, Enabling Environment For Journalists

· Ask security agents to find missing Vanguard journalist As...

EXCLUSIVE: Buhari orders probe of Isa Funtua, AMCON over keystone and Etisalat

Following the controversy generated by the leading opposition party,...

6 Signs your boyfriend thinks you are ugly -Take note of No. 2

They say there are three kinds of people; the...

2023: South-East, Middle Belt Forum Endorses Peter Obi

The South-East and Middle Belt Forum has endorsed the...

IWD: Time-Saving Tips Every Busy Mom Needs

This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the strength, resilience,...

“My Husband Is Threatening My Life” – Actress Evan Okoro Cries Out

Award-winning Nollywood actress, Evan Okoro, has publicly cried out...

FULL LIST: 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or Nominees Announced

The Ballon d’Or has released the official 30-man shortlist...

FULL LIST: 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees Unveiled

The Ballon d’Or has officially unveiled the 30 nominees...

Civil servants used stolen money to build estates – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img