United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has estimated 100 children under 15 years lost their lives, making up 37 per cent of the 272 total number of persons killed to recent devastating 5.6 magnitude earthquake in Cianjur, West Java, Indonesia.
The Agency’s Report disclosed this on Friday when supporting Government of Indonesia to reach children and families devasted by the magnitude earthquake in Cianjur of the country.
According to the reports which indicated that 2,046 persons have been injured, 39 persons are missing and 62,882 persons have been displaced as damage assessments showed that 45 schools have been affected in the earthquake area.
While stated futher that an estimated 18 students and 5 teachers are reported as casualties, and 267 students and 10 teachers have been injured, adding that humanitarian needs in affected areas are expected to mount, rescue operations reveal the true toll and scale of need.
The Agency revealed that Government of Indonesia is leading the emergency response to address challenges facing children and communities. “UNICEF and partners are supporting these efforts to help determine the most pressing needs of children and their families.
Such pressing needs like shelter, clean water, medical care and protection, UNICEF said the government has distributed key supplies, which include UNICEF- supported disaster preparedness supplies.
These supplies are expected to benefit an estimated 2,500 children which includes tents for temporary learning spaces, “school-in-a-box” with pens, notebooks and pencils, and early childhood development kits with age-appropriate games, drawing supplies and toys.
Indonesian Government also distributed material provided by UNICEF to support children who are dealing with emotional distress and trauma from the impact of the earthquake.
As the Agency UNICEF promised to stand ready to provide additional support that may be required by the government to help reach and protect children during this challenging time.
Meanwhile, the death toll from an earthquake that struck Indonesia’s Java island early this week rose to 310 after rescuers found more bodies under landslides, an official said with at least 24 people remain missing.
In devastated towns in western Java, residents gathered near badly damaged mosques for Friday (Nov 25) prayers. Others held prayers along with rescuers between the tents at evacuation centers.
Bodies were recovered on Friday in two areas of mountainous Cianjur district where landslides triggered by Monday’s quake brought tons of mud, rocks and broken trees, said Henri Alfiandi, chief of the National Search and Rescue Agency.