|
200,000 Soamlian children face risk of malnutrition, disease due to flooding
05.11.2019 21:36 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
As of this week, about 200,000 children within Somalia have been affected by heavy flooding, making them more vulnerable to malnutrition and disease through displacement, lack of water and sanitation services, UN Radio says referring to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report.
As to the report, thousands of families living near the country centre, namely within Belet Weyne, Berdale, Baidoa, Jowhar and Mahadaiin cities, have been forced to leave their homes and locate to higher ground to avoid the floods, which have destroyed schools and disrupted learning for thousands of youngsters.
Reportedly, UNICEF Representative to the country, Werner Schultink said if action is not taken, the impact of the disaster will be felt «long after the water levels recede.»
As to the report, the agricultural crops have been inundated with water, straining an already precarious food situation. Experts say the impeded healthcare access will cause malnutrition spikes among Somali children, and accelerate a deadly cycle of waterborne disease spread.
In meanwhile, UNICEF is working with partners to meet the urgent needs of vulnerable children, through dispatch of emergency supplies and life-saving services.
Also available:
|
| |
|
|