The disaster has also inundated close to 126,000 homes, affecting more than half a million people
BANGKOK (AlertNet) – Widespread flooding in southern and central Vietnam due to unprecedented rainfall in recent weeks has killed an "alarming" number of children, most of them dying by drowning, the United Nations said on Monday.
Out of 65 reported deaths, 57 are children, the U.N. said, adding that preventing such fatalities is a priority for aid agencies.
The disaster has also inundated close to 126,000 homes, affecting more than half a million residents.
"During this type of emergency, drowning is the biggest child-killer," said Jean Dupraz, deputy representative for the U.N.'s children agency UNICEF in Vietnam.
“Populations here have lived along the Mekong River for centuries. Still many children do not know how to swim. And it takes only a few minutes for a child to be swallowed by powerful river streams, " he said in a statement.
"Drowning prevention is our priority."
Aid agencies such as UNICEF and Save the Children have been providing life vests, buoys, floating bags and boats to prevent more children from drowning, the statement said.
Children also face the spread of disease from standing water and unsafe sanitation, UNICEF said.
"Additional help is urgently required, and more flooding is forecast for weeks ahead," the statement said.
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