Media release Tuesday, 9 November 2010

ChildFund Emergency Appeal for Indonesia

ChildFund New Zealand is asking New Zealanders to contribute to an emergency appeal to support the children and families displaced by the Mount Merapi volcanic eruptions.

The President of Indonesia has declared the continuing eruptions a national disaster. The death toll continues to rise, and dozens are being treated for burns and respiratory problems.

The new eruptions mean that the danger zone has been expanded and evacuated residents are being moved from shelter to shelter. Living conditions in the shelters are poor with one shelter designed for 300 holding 600 people with no electricity, only two latrines and very limited access to clean water.

ChildFund New Zealand’s chief executive officer Paul Brown says the volcano is continuing to spew ash and hot gases causing chaos in the field.

“The panic and confusion of the multiple evacuations is very frightening for children. To help provide a sense of safety and normalcy for these children ChildFund is establishing child-centred spaces.”

ChildFund’s child-centred spaces provide traumatised children with counselling, care and support by ensuring basic needs are met, including food, shelter and clean water.

“Currently our most urgent needs for children in the shelters are hygiene kits, clothes, and blankets and sleeping mats,” says Mr Brown.

Donations to ChildFund’s Indonesia Emergency Appeal can be made by calling 0800 223 111 or online www.childfund.org.nz.

ENDS

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