Summary UNICEF is prepared to deliver life-saving supplies to tens of thousands of affected people.
ISLAMABAD / KABUL (Web Desk) - Children in earthquake-hit areas of Afghanistan and Pakistan are facing further deadly threats as extreme conditions and insecurity cut off communities from aid, UNICEF warned on Wednesday.
More 200 people died and at least 1600 were injured after the 7.5 magnitude tremor – with half of those affected thought to be children.
Many children have been affected due to earthquake in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
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 in Afghanistan and Pakistan are working with the national governments and are prepared to deliver life-saving supplies to tens of thousands of affected children and their families," said UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric at Tuesday s briefing.
Citing authorities in Afghanistan, Dujaric said, "74 people have been reported killed, more than 250 people have been injured and some 4,000 houses damaged or destroyed."
"The UN is ready to provide assistance, if requested by the Government," he said.
UNICEF warned that health, nutrition, hygiene and education services will now be under exceptional stress, placing more children at risk.
