World Vision responds to Indonesian Earthquake as fears rise for children
World Vision has launched an emergency response following a powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Indonesia’s Flores Island over the weekend.
At least 50 people have been confirmed dead, thousands of children and their families have been displaced, and strong aftershocks continue to affect communities across the island.
Fatalities have been reported across East Nusa Tenggara Province where the earthquake struck at a depth of about 15km.
Search and Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach survivors, but have been hampered by multiple aftershocks, several measuring above magnitude 5.
Isolated communities have been cut off by landslides and damaged roads, and authorities are still working to determine the full scale of the disaster.
World Vision Indonesia’s Disaster Management Manager, Fransisco Fernando, says children and families are facing days, weeks and months of fear and uncertainty.
"Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in this devastating earthquake.
“We are particularly concerned for children. Many have experienced terrifying shaking, rushed evacuations and the loss of the places where they normally feel safe. Experiences like these can have a profound impact on a child's sense of safety and wellbeing."
Fernando says as the aftershocks continue, rescue efforts are racing against time to reach isolated communities.
"Thousands of people are displaced and there is widespread damage to schools, homes and health facilities.
“World Vision is in the region right now distributing shelter kits so affected children and families who have been left homeless have some temporary shelter,” he says.
The children’s charity will truck clean water to isolated villages this week so that villages have access to safe water.
Fernando says while search and rescue efforts remain the immediate priority, it is also critical that there is a focus on children’s long-term needs.
“It’s vital that children have access to protection, psychosocial support and the basic assistance they need to recover.
“We’re very worried that the earthquake may further exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities across Flores, including water scarcity, food insecurity, malnutrition, and mental health and child protection concerns.
“Continued El Niño conditions will also heighten the risk of crop failure, further worsening household food insecurity,” he says.
New Zealanders can help children and families affected by the earthquake by donating here.
At least 50 people have been confirmed dead, thousands of children and their families have been displaced, and strong aftershocks continue to affect communities across the island.
Fatalities have been reported across East Nusa Tenggara Province where the earthquake struck at a depth of about 15km.
Search and Rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach survivors, but have been hampered by multiple aftershocks, several measuring above magnitude 5.
Isolated communities have been cut off by landslides and damaged roads, and authorities are still working to determine the full scale of the disaster.
World Vision Indonesia’s Disaster Management Manager, Fransisco Fernando, says children and families are facing days, weeks and months of fear and uncertainty.
"Our hearts go out to all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in this devastating earthquake.
“We are particularly concerned for children. Many have experienced terrifying shaking, rushed evacuations and the loss of the places where they normally feel safe. Experiences like these can have a profound impact on a child's sense of safety and wellbeing."
Fernando says as the aftershocks continue, rescue efforts are racing against time to reach isolated communities.
"Thousands of people are displaced and there is widespread damage to schools, homes and health facilities.
“World Vision is in the region right now distributing shelter kits so affected children and families who have been left homeless have some temporary shelter,” he says.
The children’s charity will truck clean water to isolated villages this week so that villages have access to safe water.
Fernando says while search and rescue efforts remain the immediate priority, it is also critical that there is a focus on children’s long-term needs.
“It’s vital that children have access to protection, psychosocial support and the basic assistance they need to recover.
“We’re very worried that the earthquake may further exacerbate pre-existing vulnerabilities across Flores, including water scarcity, food insecurity, malnutrition, and mental health and child protection concerns.
“Continued El Niño conditions will also heighten the risk of crop failure, further worsening household food insecurity,” he says.
New Zealanders can help children and families affected by the earthquake by donating here.