UNICEF Ireland launches emergency appeal for aid
UNICEF Ireland has launched an emergency appeal for aid for the victims of the Indian earthquake.
"This earthquake has had a catastrophic impact on the region, and our immediate concern, as always, is to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and their families. The next few days are critical for the people affected by this disaster, and we need urgent and immediate funds from the Irish public who have so often proven to be so generous at these times, " says Maura Quinn, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland.
UNICEF relief workers are already on the ground in the region, and the immediate concern is to establish centres to treat the injured, as well as providing water and food aid, as work continues to find people still trapped in the rubble. The urgent focus of UNICEF’s work is to prevent the spread of disease and provide water purifying tablets and safe shelter for those left homeless. UNICEF is also establishing safe areas in which to care for and re-unite children who have been separated from their families, and of course, care for the immediate needs of children who have been orphaned and injured.
Another vital area of concern is to treat the effect of trauma on the children impacted by the earthquake. "UNICEF’s previous experience in natural disasters," explains Maura Quinn, "has shown that caring for these traumatised children in a psycho-social manner will improve their recovery at a much faster rate, and help them deal with the fear of aftershocks, and the grief of losing loved ones." UNICEF will be training local staff to provide this help to children in the coming days and weeks.
