Iker, 9, and his sister Yeimire, 6, stand outside their home which was destroyed in an earthquake in San Andrés Hueyapan, Tetela del Volcán municipality, Morelos, Mexico

EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

When disaster strikes, UNICEF is often among the first on the ground, prepositioning supplies, supporting response efforts and assisting with the recovery.

What happens when an earthquake strikes

One shattering moment can wreck a community and leave children traumatized, displaced and vulnerable to disease. Earthquakes — like the major quakes that struck Türkiye and Syria — are especially devastating, with physical, social and economic impacts that are felt for generations. 

Children are disproportionately affected by natural disasters like earthquakes. Families can become separated, schooling can be disrupted, access to safe water, food, shelter and health services become difficult or impossible. And in the wake of such a disaster, poverty often rises. 

Children without the protection of parents or an education face higher risks of abuse and exploitation. 

How UNICEF helps children after an earthquake 

When an earthquake strikes, UNICEF has the capability to respond immediately with prepositioned supplies, supporting response efforts and assisting with the recovery. 

UNICEF operates the largest humanitarian supply warehouse in the world. Through its network, UNICEF can deliver urgently-needed items anywhere in the world within 48­ to 72 hours.

From Mexico to the Philippines to Haiti and beyond, UNICEF has helped rebuild communities post-quake for decades. Providing both immediate and long-term assistance, UNICEF helps ensure that children can continue to learn, receive health care and psychosocial support, access adequate nutrition, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services and stay safe from harm.

UNICEF also works to reunite children who have been separated from their family and helps ensure adequate care for those who are orphaned.

Help UNICEF continue to support children and families through disasters. Please donate.

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TOP PHOTO: Iker, 9, and his sister Yeimire, 6, stand outside their home, which was destroyed in an earthquake in San Andrés Hueyapan, Tetela del Volcán municipality, Morelos, Mexico. © UNICEF/UN0125939/Solís
TOP PHOTO: Iker, 9, and his sister Yeimire, 6, stand outside their home, which was destroyed in an earthquake in San Andrés Hueyapan, Tetela del Volcán municipality, Morelos, Mexico. © UNICEF/UN0125939/Solís