UNICEF in emergencies
Indian Ocean Tsunami
Donor Alert: Immediate Needs of Children and Women in Tsunami Affected Countries
The quake and tsunami waves originating near Aceh Indonesia on 26 December 2004 have left a path of destruction of unprecedented dimensions. Over 100,000 people have been killed and millions more are homeless. Of the total population affected, one third are children. Their immediate survival must be a priority.
In many areas, water and sanitation facilitates are destroyed or contaminated increasing the risk of disease. Families have been left homeless, children have been separated from their parents and there is an urgent need to address emotional and physical needs of children. In addition to the immediate toll on human lives, the long-term effects on infrastructure and facilities, on traumatized and shattered families, and on the economic well-being of communities will continue to plague these Indian Ocean countries for years to come.
The countries worst affected by the tsunamis are Indonesia, the epicenter of the quake, Sri Lanka, India and Maldives. Less affected are Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Somalia.
