Regiment soldiers were on standby last night to fly to the hurricane-ravaged Turks and Caicos Islands.

A 54-strong contingent, including staff from the Parks Department, were put on notice at 6pm that they could leave anytime from six hours after that.

Transport plans are still being finalised, although it is anticipated that the US Coastguard may assist with the airlift.

The Turks and Caicos' Governor Gordon Wetherell put in a formal request for help after Hurricane Ike wreaked havoc there last weekend.

The storm is reported to have left 80 per cent of homes on Grand Turk and South Caicos damaged after it made landfall as a Category Four hurricane, with sustained winds over 130 miles per hour.

More than 65 Regiment personnel volunteered to join Operation Turks Tempest. Acting Commanding Officer Major Brian Gonsalves, who has just returned from a recce of the devastated Islands, said he was pleased to see the readiness of all ranks to assist.

"The response has been excellent. The men and women of the Regiment have answered the call and are now making final personal preparations prior to deployment," he said yesterday.

The Regiment aims to be self-sufficient for up to four weeks. In addition to the cutting, clearing and related tools of their mission, the contingent is taking tents, generators, sleeping cots, stoves and rations. Up to nine members of the Parks Department will join the Regiment, lending their expertise as chainsaw operators.

Contingent Commander Major George Jones, who has been in Grand Turk for the past five days, said the first lift of equipment and manpower would be followed in two weeks by a second contingent of personnel.

"We anticipate a total of 54 persons to leave in the next day or so, including our colleagues from the Parks Department. Near month-end, a 23-strong relief contingent will replace some of those on the initial deployment," he explained.

Major Stephen Caton, Regiment Public Relations Officer, asked that soldiers with questions related to the deployment should call the Adjutant on 238-1188.

He added: "On behalf of the Regiment, I thank the soldiers' families and employers for their understanding and support as we assist the Turks and Caicos Islands in returning to a state of normality."