Fears for children separated from families following Indonesian tsunami – UNICEF

1st October 2018

 

PRESS RELEASE

Fears for children separated from families following Indonesian tsunami – UNICEF

UNICEF emergency response helping to trace and reunite children with their families

UNICEF representatives in Indonesia are available for interview

01 October 2018, DUBLIN: UNICEF is deploying teams in Indonesia to help reunite children separated from their families. The exact number of children affected is not yet known, but UNICEF is working with the Indonesian government to assess the scale of the disaster and ensure children get the supports they need.

The devastating earthquake and tsunami hit the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia late on Friday, and latest reports say over 800 children, men and women are dead, with fears that number will rise.

“UNICEF Indonesia is doing everything it can to respond to children and families in need in Palu, Donggala and other affected sites in Sulawesi. But the needs are increasing and the situation remains urgent. Many children have lost their loved ones and all things familiar in their lives, and will need help to get back to some sense of normality as quickly as possible. In the aftermath of the deadly disaster, we’re working with authorities to reunite unaccompanied and separated children with their families, support infant and young child feeding, provide clean water through mobile water treatment, and help children recover.” said Amanda Bissex, UNICEF Indonesia Representative.

Although the full extent of the impact is unclear, UNICEF has responded to the Indonesian Government’s request for international assistance. The first days following an earthquake and tsunami are critically important and along with family reunification, UNICEF is on the ground working to assess needs, finding shelter for the families from the thousands of homes that have collapsed and ensuring that families are provided safe drinking water.

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Danny Smits, UNICEF Ireland, +353871308070, danny@unicef.ie

 

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