Bermudian relief organisations sent out the call for help after last week's massive earthquake in El Salvador claimed hundreds of lives and left thousands more homeless.

Bermuda Red Cross and the Salvation Army are asking for financial assistance in rescue and recovery operations. No clothing will be accepted for these particular operations.

Divisional Commander of Bermuda's Salvation Army, Major Woody Hale, said: "A team, headed by Captain Esteban Calvo, departed Salvation Army Headquarters in Guatemala City at 4 a.m. this morning following the disastrous quake to help in rescue operations and provide assistance.'' The Red Cross spokesperson added: "The Salvador Red Cross has been active in the most heavily affected area of Santa Tecla with 200 first aid workers and relief workers operating, and over 1,000 Red Cross volunteers working round the clock on search and rescue activities.'' Major Hale of the Salvation Army said: "Major Michael Olsen, International Emergency Services Coordinator, has been dispatched from the organisation's London International Headquarters to make an initial assessment and to coordinate international assistance.

"Bermudians who wish to assist in this work are invited to send their donation to The Salvation Army P.O. Box HM 2259 Hamilton, HM JX, Bermuda or deliver to 92 Reid Street, Hamilton or visit our web site at www.salvationarmy.ca.'' Major Hale asks that all donations are specified for the El Salvador relief.

A Red Cross spokesperson said: "The Bermuda Red Cross is asking all of Bermuda to support this appeal to assist the crisis in El Salvador. "Those interested in making donations can call the Bermuda Red Cross at 236-8253 or mail to Bermuda Red Cross, El Salvador Earthquake Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03.'' Or Red Cross donations can be direct deposited to the following banks and accounts: Bank of Bermuda Limited account number 701-19842, Bank of NT Butterfield and Son account number 006-060-663859-200 or Gibbons Deposit Company account number 35760.

CHURCH CHU