More than 17,000 children need urgent humanitarian assistance after severe flash floods in Nepal, according to the United Nations children’s agency UNICEF. UNICEF’s representative in Nepal, Alice Akunga, said children in affected areas had seen their lives swept away before their eyes, with many losing their lives and loved ones.

Akunga said children who survived the floods now face increased risks of disease, malnutrition, violence and exploitation. UNICEF said it is providing assistance on the ground, but requires more resources urgently to reach every child in need.

The agency has appealed for $17.2 million, or about £12.6 million, to continue initial emergency relief and support operations while the full scale of damage is assessed. UNICEF warned that without the required funding, its services for children and women would be severely limited.