Earthquake in Indonesia; UNICEF is there

According to initial estimates, a 7.6 Richter-scale earthquake killed at least 464 people in Indonesia's West Sumatra province yesterday. The death toll is expected to rise sharply.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and an estimated third of those affected are children.

As always, children are most vulnerable in a disaster.

They must have access to clean water and shelter, and get help in overcoming the aftermath of the quake. They are at extreme risk of illnesses, including diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, and polio. The risk of tetanus is also very high due to injuries and open wounds.

UNICEF has been active in Indonesia since 1948 and will do whatever it takes--in this crisis as in so many others rocking South Asia right now--to save children's lives.

We'll keep you posted.

According to initial estimates, a 7.6 Richter-scale earthquake killed at least 464 people in Indonesia's West Sumatra province yesterday. The death toll is expected to rise sharply.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and an estimated third of those affected are children.

As always, children are most vulnerable in a disaster.

They must have access to clean water and shelter, and get help in overcoming the aftermath of the quake. They are at extreme risk of illnesses, including diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, and polio. The risk of tetanus is also very high due to injuries and open wounds.

UNICEF has been active in Indonesia since 1948 and will do whatever it takes--in this crisis as in so many others rocking South Asia right now--to save children's lives.

We'll keep you posted.

According to initial estimates, a 7.6 Richter-scale earthquake killed at least 464 people in Indonesia's West Sumatra province yesterday. The death toll is expected to rise sharply.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes, and an estimated third of those affected are children.

As always, children are most vulnerable in a disaster.

They must have access to clean water and shelter, and get help in overcoming the aftermath of the quake. They are at extreme risk of illnesses, including diarrheal diseases, acute respiratory infections and outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, and polio. The risk of tetanus is also very high due to injuries and open wounds.

UNICEF has been active in Indonesia since 1948 and will do whatever it takes--in this crisis as in so many others rocking South Asia right now--to save children's lives.

We'll keep you posted.