As Many as 100,000 Children Displaced in Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, Save the Children Says

Save the Children warns that as many as 100,000 children may have been displaced because of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

“We are concerned for as many as 100,000 children who may have been displaced because of last Friday’s earthquake and tsunami. Many of them will have lost their homes and been forced to take refuge in unfamiliar places like evacuation centers that might cause them to be afraid and anxious,” said Stephen McDonald, who is leading Save the Children’s relief efforts in Japan.

“There is also a risk that some of them will have become separated from their parents and family members because of the disaster. It is important we provide support to parents and children who are struggling to cope in the aftermath of the disaster,” said McDonald.

Save the Children has a team in Sendai, one of the worst-affected areas, establishing an operations base to help the most vulnerable children and their families.

Teams from Tokyo arrived in Sendai today to set up a network of child-friendly spaces aimed to provide children in shelters with a safe place to play, and to give parents a break from watching their children while they register for emergency assistance.

Source: http://www.savethechildren.org

Photo credit: Kyodo/Associated Press