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UNICEF supply plane arrives in Indonesia earthquake zone30 May 2006
A UNICEF plane carrying emergency supplies landed in the earthquake-ravaged area of Yogyakarta, Indonesia earlier today, joining an emergency response team already active on the ground. The supplies were rushed from UNICEF's warehouse in Medan (Sumatra) Indonesia. More emergency supplies will be arriving by air and by road in the coming days.
Latest estimates indicate that 20,000 people are suffering from injuries after the quake, and at least 100,000 people have lost their homes. Forty per cent of those affected by the disaster are children, including approximately 15,000 children under five years of age.
"Children are the most vulnerable in the aftermath of a major disaster, as they lose their homes and all semblance of normalcy," says Nigel Fisher, president and CEO, UNICEF Canada. "Having worked in many disaster zones, I know all too well that the greatest challenge humanitarian workers are facing on the ground right now is ensuring that children get clean water, shelter, essential medical supplies and proper sanitation so that they do not become ill with water-borne or communicable diseases. We know from past emergency responses that we can save these children's lives, and to do that we've deployed not only supplies, but experts who can ensure we reach the most vulnerable."
The initial UNICEF supplies airlifted to the earthquake zone today included:
- 30 collapsible water bladders
- 10 health kits
- 15 hygiene kits
- 10 large tents
- 100 family tents
- 2000 tarpaulin sheets
- 300 cooking sets
These immediate supplies will provide clean water and essential health supplies to displaced communities, as well as emergency shelter and goods for families to set up temporary households. Further supplies will arrive by air on Monday and Tuesday, as well as by land transport at a rate of two trucks a day later this week to meet ground distribution capabilities.
UNICEF staff experienced in disaster response have been deployed to Yogyakarta from Aceh and other areas of Indonesia. The team is being led by Banda Aceh field office chief Edouard Beigbeder, who has extensive expertise in meeting the needs of children in severe emergencies, including post tsunami. Beigbeder says that all supplies in the Medan warehouse are needed immediately for the current earthquake emergency and will need to be replenished to meet the ongoing post-tsunami reconstruction needs. At least $2 million is required for the supplies allocated to date.
UNICEF water, sanitation and health officers are visiting all hospitals and locations where displaced persons have gathered to assess and respond to urgent needs. Child protection staff will be assessing the psychological impact of this traumatic event on children. Inter-agency collaboration is critical in effective emergency response and rebuilding, and UNICEF is working with partners on the ground and local government officials to restore essential services, including water, health and education.
Fisher says that children will continue to need assistance beyond the initial emergency relief phase. UNICEF has had a permanent, ongoing development presence in Indonesia for decades and is therefore well-positioned to quickly respond to emergencies when they arise.
"Our priority is to save children's lives, and then to save their childhoods," says Fisher. "As we respond to children's physical needs, we are also thinking about their emotional wellbeing and capacity to recover from this trauma. One of the most important things we can do is get children back to school as quickly as possible to restore a sense of normalcy. That's why shipments in the coming days will not only include life-saving health, water and sanitation supplies, but also school tents and school supplies to help teachers set up makeshift classrooms, wherever the children are."
UNICEF Canada is urgently appealing for funds to respond to the ongoing needs of children and their families in the aftermath of this disaster. Donations to the Indonesia earthquake appeal can be made toll-free by calling 1-877-955-3111, online at www.unicef.ca, or by mail at UNICEF Canada, 2200 Yonge Street, Suite 1100, Toronto, ON M4S 2C6.
Note to media: UNICEF photos from the Indonesia earthquake zone are available upon request.
For further information: In Canada: Nicole Ireland, National Communications UNICEF Canada Cellular: (416) 992-7349; In Yogyakarta/Central Java, Indonesia: Anton Susanto, Communication Officer, UNICEF Indonesia Mobile: +62811875862
Source: newswire
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