DOI: 10.36344/ccijhss.2022.v08i10.002

Pages: 169-172

The climate crisis is increasingly acknowledged as a significant threat to the welfare, rights, and development of children, particularly those living in vulnerable, low-income, and flood-affected areas. This research, conducted in Silchar City of Assam, investigates the various impacts of climate-induced flooding on children aged 10 to 16 through qualitative methods. By employing focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and in-depth interviews with children, parents, and educators, the study highlights key themes of vulnerability, including experiences of flooding, disruptions in education, food and water insecurity, poor sanitation, and psychological distress. The results indicate that climate-related events not only hinder vital services such as education and healthcare but also exacerbate emotional trauma and systemic neglect, especially among girls and marginalized families. Institutional responses tend to primarily focus on adults, with minimal consideration of the specific needs of children in disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. The research calls for a rights-based, child-centred climate action approach that includes children's perspectives and ensures equitable access to protection, education, health, and mental health support to tackle the pressing issues confronting this "at-risk generation.".