Flooding in Don Meung, one of the northern suburbs of Bangkok which has been hard hit by Thailand's worst flooding in five decades, has killed at least 356 people and affected nearly 2.5 million.
Save the Children has issued an appeal for 5 million dollars to help with flood relief efforts in Thailand. The charity estimates that about 800,000 children are in need of assistance as massive floods have struck the country.
Thousands of people have been forced from their homes into crowded evacuation centers. Thousands of others though remained trapped in their homes and are depending on aid agencies to reach them with food, clean water, medicine and other supplies.
The floodwaters bring grave danger. Annie Bodmer-Roy of Save the Children warns, “The water is filthy, and there is a very real risk of waterborne or communicable diseases such as diarrhea and skin infections taking hold if families can’t maintain basic standards of hygiene. It is essential that the risks facing children in this crisis are understood and steps taken to keep them safe.”
Save the Children has been making deliveries of life-saving supplies to those trapped by the floods. They are also helping children in the evacuation centers.
Save the Children’s appeal states, “We need donations to help us delivering aid (including food, water, and non-food items such as diapers, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and hygiene supplies) and keep children safe by organizing child friendly spaces for them to play and learn.”
The flooding has destroyed livelihoods and hunger and poverty will threaten many for months to come. Aid will be needed to help thousands who will suffer without an income and will struggle to afford basic necessities.
You can donate at Save the Children’s web site.
Author William Lambers 