EMERGENCY TEAM DEPOLOYED TO RESPOND TO JAPAN FLOODS

 

Tokyo, July 9 - Save the Children has deployed its emergency response team to assess the needs of children in the Mabi district of Kurashiki city, Okayama prefecture, after record rainfall left more than 4,600 houses there flooded.

More than 100 people have died and more than 80 people are still missing after heavy rains caused landslides, as well as flooding, in western Japan.

There are about 4,000 children in Mabi, one of the worst affected areas, and Save the Children's team will determine the need for child friendly spaces, which provide a safe place for children from the chaos of the disaster and child protection services.

Save the Children Japan CEO, Kunio Senga, said:

"The situation for children is likely to be chaotic and stressful. Families face uncertainty about how long they will be spending away from home, and don't know what they will find on their return. Our teams will look particularly at the needs of children, and determine whether we can help provide a safe space for those who may have been affected by the disaster."  

The charity has also set up a webpage to help guide parents and other adults through assessing the psychosocial wellbeing of children to ensure they're getting adequate support.

Save the Children spokespeople are available for interview.

 

Contact:

Bhanu Bhatnagar: B.Bhatnagar@savethechildren.org.uk, +44 7467 096788

Out of hours: Media@savethechildren.org.uk, +44 7831 650409