Thailand floods
Up to 800,000 children are affected by the current Thai floods and many more are also at risk in the neighbouring countries of Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the Philippines. Save the Children is already responding by bringing life-saving relief to vulnerable children. Please donate to support our vital work for children across South East Asia.
Why is this happening?
- A combination of typhoons and higher than average rainfall has led to widespread flooding which has affected more than at least 3 million children across South East Asia.
How are children affected?
- Lack of clean water is a major issue as normal water sources such as rivers and wells are polluted with sewerage and run-off debris increasing the threat of disease.
- Families have lost their homes, possessions and urgently require shelter; their crops have been destroyed and their animals have died so they need help regaining their livelihoods; and schools have been destroyed so children’s education will be interrupted.
- There is an increased risk for communicable diseases including diarrhoea, malaria, pneumonia, thyphoid and skin infections, due to lack of access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and access to health care services.
- Limited access to health services for pregnant women, recent and breastfeeding mothers is also of grave concern as pregnancy and childbirth are critical periods for the survival of women and babies.
How we’re responding
- We’re already distributing food and essentials such as soap, mattresses and cooking utensils, as well as temporary shelter materials so that those affected can rebuild their homes.
- We’re also helping keep children safe, preventing them from becoming separated from their parents, harmed or exploited. And we’re setting up safe spaces where children can learn and play, giving them back a sense of normality.
- And in the longer term we’ll be helping families regain their means of earning a living, repairing and rebuilding health centres and working to get children back to school.
How you can help
Please give now to help us deliver vital live-saving relief to the children caught up in the crisis.
Situation grim
Save the Children's Brian Jungwiwattanaporn in Bangkok, reports: "The situation for children continues to be grim as the water continues to rise around the suburbs of Bangkok"
“Roads have become rivers so we are sending out teams by boat to reach families cut off with aid like food, hygiene kits and blankets."