KABUL/ISLAMABAD, Oct. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - Children in earthquake-hit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan are facing further deadly threats as extreme conditions and insecurity are cutting communities off from aid, warns UNICEF.
Around 200 people died, including 12 school girls, and around 1,000 were injured after the 7.5 magnitude tremor – with half of those affected thought to be children.
Heavy rain and snow have been pounding the remote, mountainous areas affected by the earthquake for the past two days. Communication is poor and access difficult due to the tough terrain and security operations.
"We are extremely concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children, who are already the most at risk in any disaster and are now in danger of succumbing to the elements as temperatures plummet," says Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia.
Some of the areas hit by the quake are completely inaccessible, whilst much of the rest of the affected region is difficult to reach even in ordinary circumstances.
UNICEF Afghanistan and Pakistan are working with their national governments and are prepared to deliver life-saving supplies to tens of thousands of affected children and their families.
UNICEF is warning that health, nutrition, hygiene and education services will now be under exceptional stress, placing more children at risk.
About UNICEF
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.
UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.
SOURCE UNICEF Canada
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