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HEAVY rains have continued to cause misery for families in Cambodia with some areas under a metre of water.
Thousands have fled their homes to higher ground after widespread floods in the north west of the country
Children’s charity Plan International has been providing sanitation kits to some of the worst hit families.
“There’s a lack of shelter, safe water, hygiene and food and also children are at risk,” says Plan’s country director in Cambodia, Supriyanto.
“Most of the water wells have been flooded and people are using unsafe water from the river.”
At least 25 villagers are known to have died across seven flood-hit provinces.
Plan has worked in Cambodia since 2002, helping poor children to access their rights to education, health, sustainable livelihoods and protection.
The charity’s work benefits more than 600,000 children and reaches nearly 80,000 families in more than 580 communities.
As well as responding to emergencies, Plan works to increase primary school completion rates and reduce maternal and infant death rates.
Its work with the government to ensure all citizens have registered birth certificates has increased registration from five to 92 per cent.
“Children are particularly vulnerable during the flood and their specific needs must be considered,” says Supriyanto.
“Child protection should be delivered to parents and children, especially for those staying in the safe hill areas.”
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
