27 Children Confirmed Dead After Aceh Earthquake

NEW YORK (December 9, 2016) – Over one quarter of the victims of the Pidie Jaya earthquake are children under the age of 18, including 17 children younger than 5 years. Out of the 102 people whose deaths have been confirmed by the National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB), 27 are children, according to the District Health Office in Pidie Jaya. Over 700 more people have sustained injuries and hundreds of buildings have also been damaged or completely destroyed, including homes, schools, mosques and health facilities.

According to data from the Regional Development Planning Agency Bappeda, nearly 46,000 children under the age of 18 live in the five worst affected sub-districts of Pidie Jaya, the district at the center of Wednesday’s earthquake.

UNICEF Indonesia is currently supporting the National Secretariat for Safe Schools, Ministry of Education to undertake a rapid assessment of the damage to education facilities.  Based on the results, the Government will provide alternative facilities to allow children to return to a safe learning environment as soon as possible.

UNICEF Indonesia extends its deepest sympathies to the families of those affected and stands ready to provide support to children and families affected by the earthquake if requested by the Government. At this stage, however, no international assistance is required, according to BNPB.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org