effort to provide aid to an Indian city demolished by an earthquake.

There are unofficial tallies of 20,000 dead, 50,000 people injured and hundreds of thousands homeless after a 7.9 Richter scale earthquake tore through the Indian state of Gujarat last Friday.

An aerial assessment of Bhuj city showed up to 90 percent of buildings were damaged -- the city is home to 150,000 people.

Around 200 aftershocks have been felt, some registering as far away as Pakistan.

A Bermuda Red Cross spokesperson said: "A series of powerful earthquakes struck Gujarat state in western India at 8.50 a.m. local time on Friday, January 26, peaking at a massive 7.9 on the Richter scale.

"The epicentre of the quake was about 50 kilometres north-east of Bhuj city, one of the most inaccessible parts of western India.'' A British Red Cross delegate, Patrick Fuller, said: "Our greatest concern is that the crisis is still unfolding.

"It's a very isolated area and we don't yet have the complete picture -- many people may still be trapped.'' Red Cross Director of Support Services, Roger Smith, said: "Infrastructure in the region, particularly communications, electricity and water supply, has been severely affected.

"Survivors of the quake are badly in need of shelter, clean drinking water and food.'' The Bermuda Red Cross is making an appeal for cash as the death and homeless count continue to rise.

Donations can be made to the Red Cross by phoning 236-8253 or by mail to Indian Earthquake Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03.

Direct donations can also be made to bank accounts at Bank of Bermuda no.

701-21565, Bank of Butterfield no. 006-060-401365-200 or Gibbons Deposit Company no. 16016.

CHURCH CHU