The aid body Unicef has said emergency medical supplies and water are urgently required in Nias and Similue in Indonesia following yesterday's major earthquake.
Unicef Ireland said a rapid assessment of the island of Nias had just been concluded following the 8.7 magnitude quake, which struck Sumatra at 11.09pm last night.
The earthquake occurred in the Indian Ocean near the islands of Nias and Similue but was felt as far away as Jakarta and Bangkok. More than 1,000 people are feared dead.
Unicef said other items needed include cooking utensils, food and water containers. The organisation's offices in Jakarta and Banda Aceh will be able to send these supplies and all materials will be sent by road to the port of Sibolga on the coast of Sumatra directly opposite Nias, as soon as the road is reopened.
"We're concerned about providing safe water, which is urgent as well as providing emergency medical supplies, which are vital in preventing the spread of disease," said Maura Quinn, executive director of
Unicef Ireland.
UN agencies will establish a base in Sibolga and two MI8 helicopters will provide a shuttle between Banda Aceh and Nias from tomorrow.
To date, Unicef Ireland has raised in excess of €2.4 million, which is funding its work for the children of Sri Lanka and Indonesia following the tsunami last December.
The organisation said that as its emergency relief needs have been met, all funds raised in Ireland will go towards the long-term rehabilitation process throughout the tsunami zone. Unicef said it will play a vital role in the reconstruction of services for children including schools and health centres.
Donations can be made to Unicef Ireland by calling 1850 767999, online at www.unicef.ie or through the body's bank account at AIB 24070037 sort code 93-33-84.
The Irish Red Cross said thousands of local volunteers and hundreds of international Red Cross delegates are in the affected areas and are ready to provide emergency aid to local communities in the event of a second tsunami.
Ms Carmel Dunne, secretary general of the Irish Red Cross said that following the St Stephen's Day disaster, the Red Cross has made provision for a similar event.
"We have emergency relief supplies available in these areas in case another tsunami hits Sri Lanka and Indonesia. This will enable the local communities to be in a better position to manage on this occasion.
"Our hearts and prayers go out to the people in theses areas. It must be terrifying for them to have to live through that fear again. But as the Red Cross still has thousands of volunteers working in the areas, we will be able to provide immediate relief and assistance."
Ms Dunne said that thanks to the generosity of the Irish people over the past three months, the Irish Red Cross has funds available that can be deployed, without delay, to these areas if required.
A spokeswoman for Trocaire said the organisation had staff in the area to examine the situation but had not yet made any decisions transferring resources to the area. "We are having a look and talking to our local partners," she said.