Over 8.4 million people, including 3.2 million children, face significant health, nutrition, sanitation, and safety risks as Cyclone Remal strikes Bangladesh’s coastal regions, Unicef reported on Monday. “Our thoughts go out to the children and their families at this critical moment,” stated Sheldon Yett, Unicef Representative to Bangladesh. Bhola, Patuakhali, and Bagerhat are among the most affected areas, with severe inundation reported.
Unicef has been proactive, supporting early warning efforts and preparing for a swift response. Supplies such as water purification tablets, mobile toilets, hygiene kits, and more are prepositioned in 35 warehouses nationwide. Two rapid response teams are on standby to deploy to the worst-hit areas, including Rohingya camps and Cox’s Bazar.
Despite these efforts, critical funding gaps persist across all sectors, particularly for the needs of girls, women, and persons with disabilities. Unicef is working closely with the government and partners to provide coordinated relief and ensure the protection of the most vulnerable, especially children. “Our priority is to protect the lives and well-being of the most vulnerable during such disasters,” Yett emphasized. Unicef remains committed to assisting Bangladesh through the challenges posed by Cyclone Remal.
