Some 130 UNICEF staff continued to travel to the areas affected by Cyclone Nargis today, identifying the greatest threats to children and women and delivering much-needed supplies.

“Time is of the essence,” said Ann M. Veneman, UNICEF Executive Director. “UNICEF had prepositioned emergency supplies, which staff in country are now distributing as quickly as possible, and more staff and supplies are on the way. In situations such as these, children are highly vulnerable to disease and hunger and they need immediate help to survive.”

In the wake of the disaster, lack of access to clean water and poor sanitation, inadequate shelter and poor nutrition pose particular risks to children. The risk of diarrhoea increases and children are highly susceptible to this threat.