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Afghanistan and Pakistan Earthquake: Children cut off from aid - Unicef

Children in earthquake-hit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan are facing further deadly threats as extreme conditions and insecurity cut off communities 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.

Notes for editors:

For further information please contact the Unicef UK Press Office on +44 (0)20 7375 6030 or media@unicef.org.uk

About Unicef

Unicef is the world’s leading organisation for children, promoting the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.  

Unicef UK raises funds to protect children in danger, transform their lives and build a safer world for tomorrow’s children.  As a registered charity we raise funds through donations from individuals, organisations and companies and we lobby and campaign to keep children safe. Unicef UK also runs programmes in schools, hospitals and with local authorities in the UK. For more information please visit unicef.org.uk

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