Daily Archives: August 8, 2018

Deluge, Distress & The Disastrous Backwash Of Floods On The Lives Of Children

In every crisis, children are the most vulnerable. Climate change is no exception. As floods escalate in West Bengal, children bear the greatest burden of hunger, homelessness, malnutrition, sanitation, education, gender inequality…almost like the coming together of all potentially devastating issues that can affect the lives of children both physiologically and psychologically, for the rest of their lives.

There may be no greater, growing threat facing the world’s children – and their children – than climate change. Ranita Roy, narrative photographer, captures through her imagery, the essence of what daily life looks like for children stuck in floods… a harsh reminder that we need to act before it’s too late.

A boy stuck at home during floods in Ghatal, Midnapore, affecting daily life

Water logging due to extreme floods makes getting in and out of the house difficult for children in Andul, Howrah

Floating on a tube, this young boy makes his way home, after buying food for the day

Children are seen wading through water for daily supplements, as communication and accessibility are severely affected

Schools remain shut for months after floods, restricting learning and education for children in the area

A scared child crosses a dangerous road with his mother broken by the impact of
the rains in Burdwan

A young mother starts her day with her child on a boat, now turned into a daily route

Children have no choice but to lend a helping hand to their families to run
daily errands during floods

Doctor’s clinic and pharmacies remain shut during floods, with no access to medicines for children in Amta, Howrah

Children carry books on their heads and plod through marshy lands to make their way to school

A disappointed boy makes his way home after realizing that school remains shut in Ghatal, Midnapore