In Guatemala, More Than 650,000 Children Live in Areas Affected by Fuego Volcano Eruption
UNICEF and partners working to save lives and meet urgent needs of most vulnerable children
NEW YORK (June 9, 2018) – UNICEF is working with partners to provide essential support and services to the more than 650,000 children and adolescents living in areas affected by the eruption of Guatemala’s Fuego volcano. Over 12,000 people have been evacuated so far, while some 3,700 people – including hundreds of children – are now staying in emergency shelters.
"During emergencies like this, children may lose access to proper food and nutrition, healthcare, protection, safe water and sanitation,” said Carlos Carrera, UNICEF Representative in Guatemala. “It is imperative that we ensure affected children, including those now living in shelters, stay healthy and safe from disease and violence.”
UNICEF teams in Guatemala have conducted a joint assessment of the situation with the Government and its partners to determine the urgent needs of children and their families, and coordinate response actions, including:
- Provide psychosocial support to affected children and their families;
- Support family reunification for separated children;
- Ensure protection of children in shelters;
- Provide water, hygiene and adequate sanitation;
- Open child-friendly spaces;
- Support adequate nutrition for children, emphasizing the benefits of breastfeeding for infants;
- Ensure continued education and return to school as soon as possible.
# # #
Note to editors
Photos available here:
About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, safe water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. UNICEF USA supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.
For more information, contact:
Erica Vogel, UNICEF USA, 212.922.2480, evogel@unicefusa.org