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, the organization said in a statement on Sunday.

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 statement added.

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