Tuesday 10 February 2009

While reports suggest that the death toll will rise above 200 and there are fears that the final figure may be up to 300, we've deployed staff and a bus that converts into a play centre for children. 

The unit, sent to the worst-affected area in Victoria, will help children take their minds off the devastating scenes they have witnessed while our staff will offer parents support and advice. 

Sharyn Hanly, from Save the Children Australia, who is in Victoria, said: "Whole families have perished, unable to escape from the flames and mothers and children have been separated from fathers who stayed behind to try and fight the fire and protect their homes.  

"Distraught relatives, unaware of the fate of their loved ones, are leaving messages on community notice boards." 

The Save the Children mobile play bus, which has been sent to Wandong, Victoria, gives children the chance to spend time with their parents or carers playing, painting or doing puzzles. All these activities assist in the recovery process and help them achieve some sense of normality. 

We aim to continue to roll-out more mobile play buses across the worst affected areas over the coming days.  

Ms Hanly added: “The dramatic images of the disasters impact on children not only in the immediate area where the destruction has taken place but also children throughout the country witnessing the images on television. 

“Save the Children has issued advice to children and parents to help them cope with the disaster. They include tips such as turning off the television as children may not understand that old footage is being replayed, but think that the disaster is happening over and over again.”

What you can do

We help children caught up in emergencies all over the world. Donate to the Children's Emergency Fund, and help us be on the ground first, where we're needed most.