The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said new figures have revealed that 336,000 people have been displaced by the floods in Malawi, almost doubling the previous figure of 174,000.

UNICEF said in a statement released Friday that according to the United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC), more than 1 million people are affected, with 276 being dead or missing, and 645 injured.

Previous statistics put the figure of displaced people at 174, 000 and those affected in one way or the other at 683,000.

UNICEF Representative in Malawi Mahimbo Mdoe calls for response to ensure all children and families have access to emergency services and supplies.

"We are carefully monitoring how displaced children are fairing, as we know after one month in crowded camps, disease outbreaks and increased malnutrition can occur."

UNICEF says health and sanitation related issues remain high on the alert and that the organization continues to focus its efforts on prevention, monitoring and treatment of conditions and infections including cholera, dysentery, malaria and malnutrition.

"So far 56,000 women and children have access to essential health care services within the camps and UNICEF-supported government clinics," said the statement.

However, UNICEF said there is a 3.8 million U.S. dollar funding gap, and that it is likely to increase as the organization move into recovery phase.

On education, UNICEF said the floods disrupted education for 300,000 learners as schools were occupied by thousands of displaced families. And as displaced families are re-located, UNICEF is supporting schools to reopen so that children in the camps and those in host communities can continue their education.

"To ensure schools can continue to house families, and function as schools, UNICEF has provided school tents and supplies to set up temporary learning spaces during daytime, and accommodation for families during the night," reads the statement.

UNICEF has launched an appeal for 9.3 million dollars to cover its emergency response to the affected areas for three months. Endi

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