SYDNEY, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Eight people are confirmed dead, with up to 700 houses damaged and around 3,500 people affected by Wednesday's 8.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that struck Solomon Islands, World Vision Australia said on Thursday.
World Vision is working closely with the Solomon Islands' National Disaster Management Office to assess the needs of people in hardest-hit Temotu province, the Australian largest charitable group said.
World Vision Solomon Islands Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs coordinator Jeremiah Tabua said the tsunami destroyed clean water sources and power supply facilities in the region, presenting significant challenges for the relief effort.
"Access to clean water and sanitation will be critical in the coming days," Tabua said in a statement.
World Vision Solomon Islands Country Program Director Andrew Catford said the humanitarian organization will be moving stockpiled emergency supplies from Honiara to Lata on Thursday evening.
"The supplies include tarpaulins, blankets, water containers, hygiene supplies, baby kits, emergency kits, kitchens sets and mosquito nets," Catford said.
"These will be used to provide immediate relief to the up to 3, 500 people affected."
The Australian government is ready to provide emergency supplies and reconstruction help to tsunami-stricken community of Solomon Islands.
"We're ready to offer assistance, which will include emergency food and shelter, medical supplies, and help with reconstruction," Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Bob Carr told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
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