Bermudians worried about the next big hurricane to hit the Island may fancy buying what looks like the ultimate protection - a newly-available bunker which the makers claim can withstand 500 mile per hour winds and nuclear and chemical attacks.

The $34,500 bunkers have been on the market for just three months, but have already sold in Georgia, Texas, Florida and Louisiana, according to manufacturer Jorge Villa of US Bunkers.

He contacted The Royal Gazette after Fabian blasted the Island to urge residents to seriously consider investing in his shelters.

Mr. Villa claims the US military are interested in his bunkers because of the continuing threat of terrorism and the Israeli army have also made enquiries.

The bunkers can comfortably take six adults and are equipped with a power pack that will equip the unit for 12 hours after power is lost, a ventilation system, lighting connections, jacks for cable, TV, VHS, phone and internet, and an exterior camera.

The bunkers, which look like pods, are made of 12-inch thick reinforced concrete, fibreglass, steel and rebar and weigh 14 tons.

"They can withstand a three or four storey building falling on top of them because of the shape and way they are manufactured," said Mr. Villa, speaking from his office in Miami yesterday.

"There has been incredible acceptance from government agencies such as Homeland Security. They could be used for the Red Cross or National Guard to have people inside before a disaster strikes, so they are there with water and medical supplies.

"The Israelis have expressed an interest for border posts in Palestine because this is a whole new thing in protection that is really economical. At $34,500, it may seem a lot, but for the military that is not expensive at all."