Chinese earthquake: Child quake survivors desperate for support
As panicked people abandon buildings following prediction of a second major earthquake, Save the Children sends in an international team to advise on dealing with stress.
Wednesday 21 May 2008
Deborah Barry, Child Protection adviser for Save the Children said: "The children's reactions are normal for what is a very abnormal situation. Anxiety, fear, aggression, anger and guilt are common feelings for survivors, especially children.
"Children will copy their carers' reactions to this disaster. When families panicked on Monday night over rumours of a second quake, children will have panicked too. Carers must be supported to be positive role models in dealing with stress and emotions."
Save the Children has signed an agreement with the Chinese Red Cross to set up child friendly spaces in temporary shelters in Deyang and Mianyang - two of the worst affected prefectures. These spaces will be supervised areas where children can interact, play, talk about their experiences and have access to books and learning materials.
With increasing reports of separated and orphaned children, the British based charity will also be looking at working with the government to provide support in tracing and reunifying families.
Wyndham James, Country Director for Save the Children in China said: "Exact numbers of children orphaned by the earthquake are still unclear. Our initial estimates would be over 1,000, rather than a matter of hundreds. Regardless, we will work closely with the government to document each case and support every effort to trace existing family members."
Barry adds: "Children are incredibly resilient. Given the right support, 95% of children affected will return to normality. It's the essential work in these initial weeks that makes the difference."
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