UNICEF and EU have joined hands together to send 40 metric tons of life-saving supplies to 1.7 million children affected by earthquake in Nepal.

According to a press release issued by UNICEF, a cargo plane carrying 40 metric tons of humanitarian supplies has already landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday morning. A second cargo plane, with another 40 metric tons of supplies will be arriving later this week.

The airlifts are made possible thanks to a 400,000 contribution from the European Commission's Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection department (ECHO).

"When a disaster strikes, help is needed fast. The EU-UNICEF partnership has been able to react quickly, delivering lifesaving supplies to those most in need even when logistics are exceptionally challenging. Our contribution will play an important role in helping the most vulnerable communities in Nepal," Claus H. Sorensen, Director-General, ECHO of European Commission said in a press release.

To preempt the growing risk of outbreak of waterborne diseases, the planes will be delivering WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) supplies, such as chlorination material, diarrhea and cholera kits, as well as bladders, to provide for clean and safe water supplies.

UNICEF and partners are planning to reach approximately 1.7 million children in the hardest hit areas, out of overall 4.2 million people in need of assistance in 21 affected districts.

"UNICEF has been able to respond instantly to the needs caused by this devastating earthquake," said Karin Hulshof, UNICEF Regional Director for South Asia.

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