KATHMANDU, Nepal & NEW YORK, April 25, 2015 /CNW/ - UNICEF is mobilizing an urgent response to meet the needs of children affected by today's earthquake in Kathmandu, Nepal. With children accounting for half the country's population, UNICEF fears the disaster, which is reported to have already killed hundreds of people, will have a severe impact on children.

UNICEF has prepositioned supplies, including water purification tablets, hygiene kits, tarpaulins and nutrition supplies, and is working with government and other partners to meet children's immediate needs in the areas of water and sanitation, child protection, health and nutrition.

The 7.9 earthquake has destroyed buildings, cell phone networks are down in many areas and power is out.  

UNICEF is asking Canadians for support in responding to the evolving needs of this crisis and is asking them to go to unicef.ca to donate now.

About UNICEF:
UNICEF has saved more children's lives than any other humanitarian organization. We work tirelessly to help children and their families, doing whatever it takes to ensure children survive. We provide children with healthcare and immunization, clean water, nutrition and food security, education, emergency relief and more.

UNICEF is supported entirely by voluntary donations and helps children regardless of race, religion or politics. As part of the UN, we are active in over 190 countries - more than any other organization. Our determination and our reach are unparalleled. Because nowhere is too far to go to help a child survive. For more information about UNICEF, please visit www.unicef.ca.

SOURCE UNICEF Canada