Tens of thousands of children at risk after Cyclone Pam

On the evening of March 13, Tropical Cyclone Pam intensified into a Category 5 storm and hit the small South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu.

I’m writing to you today with an urgent appeal for your help. On the evening of March 13, Tropical Cyclone Pam intensified into a Category 5 storm and hit the small South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu. The storm caused significant damage, particularly in the central and southern parts of Vanuatu. At least half the population – including nearly 60,000 children – are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In disasters like these, timing is crucial. Access to clean water is often restricted, putting children and their families at risk of life-threatening waterborne illnesses like diarrhea. And with poor living conditions, disease can spread rapidly. That’s why we need you. UNICEF was on the ground in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Our main priorities are to: Address the most urgent needs around water and sanitation, including the provision of hygiene kits, water tanks, soap for hand-washing, water containers and water purification tablets; Distribute health and nutrition supplies to children and their families, including basic health kits, oral rehydration salt sachets, zinc tablets, vitamin A capsules and de-worming tablets; Implement a measles vaccination campaign in an effort to control a recent outbreak; and Help maintain normalcy for the children affected by supporting temporary learning spaces and providing psychosocial support. Your donation today to UNICEF’s emergency fund will support our efforts to help children and families in Vanuatu in the wake of this devastating storm. Thank you.