A World Vision assessment team is on its way to Nias, an island off the west coast of Sumatra still reeling from Monday's 8.7 magnitude earthquake.

"Clearly the priority for World Vision at this time is to identify and assess the emergency needs that exist, and coordinate with the team on the ground. Our commitment will be to the long-term reconstruction of Nias and implementation of our existing tsunami response programme on the island," says Rein Paulsen, World Vision Asia Tsunami Response Operations Manager.

World Vision has 10,000 emergency kits consisting of tents, mosquito nets, water, protein biscuits, clothing, cooking utensils and soap, as well as other items, ready for deployment and distribution to the island.

The magnitude of damage across the island, in particular within the capital Gunung Sitoli, in addition to the scattering of displaced persons who have fled to isolated hill areas could render recovery efforts difficult.

World Vision has an existing tsunami response programme in Nias involving the planned reconstruction of schools and education support. The three-year programme will benefit thousands of children living in coastal and mountain villages with school subsidies, books and medical innoculations. Schools will also be supplied with equipment such as blackboards, copiers, computers and sports equipment. Around 35 schools will be rebuilt.

World Vision also provided housing assistance to the people of Nias a fortnight ago when a typhoon ripped through the island.

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