EARTHQUAKE RELIEF

What happens when an earthquake strikes

One shattering moment can wreck a community and leave children traumatized, displaced and vulnerable to disease. Earthquakes — like the major quakes that struck Turkey and Syria — are especially devastating, with physical, social and economic impacts that are felt for generations. 

Children are disproportionately affected by natural disasters like earthquakes. Families can become separated, schooling can be disrupted, access to safe water, food, shelter and health services become difficult or impossible. And in the wake of such a disaster, poverty often rises. Children who are living in poverty, children who are living without the protection of parents, and children who are out of school all face higher risks of abuse and exploitation.  . 

Children without the protection of parents or an education face higher risks of abuse and exploitation. 

How UNICEF helps children after an earthquake 

When an earthquake strikes, UNICEF is among the first on the ground, prepositioning supplies, supporting response efforts and assisting with the recovery.

UNICEF operates the largest humanitarian supply warehouse in the world. Through its network, UNICEF can deliver urgently-needed items anywhere in the world within 48­ to 72 hours.

From Mexico to the Philippines to Haiti and beyond, UNICEF has helped rebuild communities post-quake for decades. Providing both immediate and long-term assistance, UNICEF helps ensure that children can continue to learn, receive health care and psychosocial support, access adequate nutrition, safe water, sanitation and hygiene services and stay safe from harm.

UNICEF also works to reunite children who have been separated from their family and provides care for those who are orphaned.

Help UNICEF continue to support children and families through disasters. Please donate.