UN drought appeal for Sri Lanka

THE UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) has appealed for $1 million (R12.6m) in funding to support Sri Lanka during its ongoing drought.

Sri Lanka was experiencing its worst drought in 40 years, with over 1.2 million people, including 365 232 children, directly affected and in need of humanitarian assistance, Unicef said.

A report it released for World Water Day today said 36 countries across the globe were facing extremely high levels of water stress, which occurs when demand for water far exceeds the renewable supply available.

The report said warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, increased floods, droughts and melting ice affected the quality and availability of water as well as sanitation systems. Unicef said while Sri Lanka was not listed among the 36 countries facing extremely high levels of water stress, its children were already experiencing a cycle of climate-related disasters resulting in dire consequences for the most vulnerable.

“Water emergencies not only endanger lives and limit the availability of safe water essential for health and life, but have multiple knock-on effects such as destroying crops, increasing farmer indebtedness and driving food insecurity,” said Tim Sutton, Unicef Sri Lanka representative.

“These drastically impact children. We must take collective action to respond to the ongoing drought, and to ensure that Sri Lanka is ready and prepared for future water challenges, so that children’s futures are not jeopardised.”

He said Unicef was working with the Sri Lankan government and partners to address the immediate water needs of 365 232 children. – Xinhua