On 30 September, two earthquakes struck off the coast of West Sumatra.

Over 1,000 people are now known to have died and a further 1,000 are missing.

A semblance of normality is starting to return to the city but hopes of finding more quake survivors, especially in remote villages, are fading.

Rapid response

• UNICEF estimates that up to 180,000 children have been affected, and is working to provide assistance for up to 50,000 families. This includes supplying water pumps, water storage equipment, jerry cans and hygiene kits with essentials including soap and toothbrushes.
• UNICEF is also providing protective services and safe places for children and has supplied 250 school tents, 60 schools-in-a-box, and recreational kits to support the return to school of nearly 70,000 children.
• Furthermore, UNICEF is preparing leaflets and posters to educate people in isolated villages about improving their hygiene and sanitation practices. The materials cover such topics as the importance of hand washing with soap and the need to boil water meant for consumption—simple actions can save lives in the aftermath of a disaster.

New Zealander Angela Kearney urges Kiwis to donate

 “Every one of those children is acutely vulnerable to potential disease, lack of shelter, disruption to education, and the traumatic effects of living through such an experience,” said UNICEF Country Representative in Indonesia, Kiwi, Angela Kearney.

“Children are always the most affected by emergencies, and it is critical that they have access to clean water, and are protected from the threat of diarrhoeal diseases, acute respiratory infections and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio and tetanus,” said Ms. Kearney. “At the same time, we must ensure that other services such as education are re-started as soon as possible, to help children regain a sense of normalcy in the aftermath of this tragedy.”

Angela has asked all Kiwis to dig deep and support UNICEF's emergency appeal.

Donate now using the form on the right or phone 0800 800 194

Please note: Your donation will go to the Indonesian Earthquake Children’s Appeal. If the funds raised exceed UNICEF’s funding requirements for this emergency‚ the money will go to UNICEF’s Children’s Emergency Fund.