News

HONG KONG, 15 March 2015 - Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF HK) appeals for public donation to support over 54,000 children affected by Super Cyclone Pam which smashed into Vanuatu on 13 March. Initial estimated impact on Port Vila, the capital of Vanuatu, is dramatically worse than expected, with up to 90% of buildings affected. At least half of the population of Vanuatu, 132,000 people including over 54,000 children, needs urgent assistance.

UNICEF staff members working in the field office in Port Vila, despite being themselves affected, are working with partners to offer support to the emergency preparedness and response particularly in the areas of water, sanitation and hygiene, including the provision of water containers, purification tablets, soap, and temporary sanitation facilities. Besides we are securing warehouse and supporting immediate repairs to the national immunization cold room. UNICEF also assists in coordinating a suitable measles vaccination campaign following the cyclone.

© UNICEF/NYHQ2015-0429/UNICEF Pacific

© UNICEF Pacific

As schools are being used as evacuation centres, UNICEF will also support children's education, including providing school-in-a-box kits, and protect children by setting up child friendly spaces in evacuation centres. UNICEF HK Chairman, Judy Chen, said, “The first 48 hours after disasters are always critical to get affected people, especially children, the humanitarian assistance they urgently need. Waterborne diseases from the aftermath of storm are our huge concern so we are working round the clock to provide relief support to the victims.”

UNICEF’s immediate need to assist the affected countries is at least HK$15.6 million (US $2 million). Hong Kong public can help by making online donation at unicef.org.hk/donate to support UNICEF's action on health, education, nutrition and protection.

Donation for Cyclone in the South Pacific

Online donation:	/donate
Direct Bank-in:	HSBC: 567-354014-004 Bank of China:  012-875-1-0810855 Wing Lung Bank: 020-601-003-76352 Bank of East Asia: 015-260-81-012100
Hotline:	2833 6139

(In the unusual event that donations for Super Cyclone Pam exceed the needs, we will direct your gift to disaster or emergency relief actions elsewhere.)

Please donate now to help the children affected by Cyclone Pam

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For more information please contact:

Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF