UNICEF expects children to be among the worst affected by the devastating 7.9 earthquake that struck Nepal today, affecting the area around the capital city of Kathmandu. While the full impact of the disaster is still being assessed, an estimated 40 percent of Nepal's population is children, who are the most vulnerable during emergencies.
UNICEF's first priorities are focused on life-saving interventions -- getting essential medicines, nutrition supplies, safe water and hygiene supplies to children and families. An earthquake of this size can be deadly, toppling buildings and destroying roads and infrastructure.
UNICEF will conduct a rapid assessment of damages and needs within the coming hours, as conditions allow more access to the hardest hit regions. UNICEF is ready to spearhead the response for children and has prepositioned supplies, including water purification tablets, hygiene kits, tarpaulins and nutrition supplies. UNICEF is also working with government and other partners to meet children's immediate needs in the areas of water and sanitation, child protection, health and nutrition.
UNICEF has two offices in Kathmandu city, and has been working in Nepal since 1964 to save and improve the lives of the country's most vulnerable children.
How to help: For more information or to make a tax-deductible contribution to UNICEF's relief efforts, please contact the U.S. Fund for UNICEF:
Website: www.unicefusa.org/nepal
Toll free: 1-800-FOR-KIDS
Text: Text "Nepal" to 864233 (UNICEF) to make a $10 donation
Mail: 125 Maiden Lane, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10038
As with any emergency, in the event that donations exceed anticipated needs, the U.S. Fund will redirect any excess funds to children in greatest need.
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