Kathmandu, Sept. 16 -- More than 17,000 children affected by the devastating flash floods in Nepal require urgent mental health and psychosocial support as they cope with trauma, displacement and the loss of loved ones, UNICEF said, warning of the severe emotional and social impact of the disaster.

In a release issued on Tuesday, UNICEF noted that many children witnessed the loss of family members, destruction of homes and schools, displacement from their communities and uncertainty surrounding missing relatives.

The agency said an estimated 17,000 children need mental health and psychosocial support, while 541 unaccompanied and separated children remain at heightened risk and require protection services.

"Beyond the visible destructio...