Dhaka, May 23 -- Over 1.5 million children are at increased risk of waterborne diseases, drowning and malnutrition due to extensive flooding in north-eastern Bangladesh, according to UNICEF.

The UN agency says it is on the ground with Government and non-government partners to respond to the urgent safety, health, nutrition, clean water and education needs of children and their families.

In a statement on Monday, UNICEF said extensive flooding affected over four million people in five districts of north-eastern Bangladesh. These districts are Sylhet, Sunamganj, Habiganj, Netrokona and Maulvibazar.

Out of the five districts, Sylhet and Sunamganj were most affected, with water flowing above dangerous levels. Agricultural land and critical...