At least 70,000 children have been displaced because of the massive earthquake and tsunami in Japan, warns a leading organisation for children.

Stephen McDonald who is leading Save the Children’s response to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan said, “We are extremely anxious for at least 70,000 children who have been displaced because of last Friday’s earthquake and tsunami. Many of them will have lost their homes and been forced to take refuge in unfamiliar places like evacuation centres that might cause them to be afraid and anxious.”

“There is also a risk that some of them will have become separated from their parents and family members because of the disaster. It is important we provide support to parents and children who are struggling to cope in the aftermath of the disaster.”

Save the Children has a team in Sendai, one of the worst affected areas, establishing an operations base to help the most vulnerable children and their families.

Teams are also on the road north to Sendai from Tokyo to set up a network of child friendly spaces aimed to provide children with a safe place to play, and to give parents a break from child minding while they register for emergency assistance.

Save the Children has launched a Japan Earthquake Appeal to help deliver much needed support and protection to children in Japan.