recover from the devastation of Hurricane Georges.

More than 300 people died in the Dominican Republic as a result of the relentless storm and up to 2,000 more may be missing, according to a Red Cross spokesman.

And international agencies estimate that up to half a million people may have been affected by the tempest.

Now numerous international relief agencies are providing much needed supplies and technical assistance to the survivors.

The local Red Cross chapter will team up with both the International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies for the global rescue effort.

However, despite the influx of funds and assistance, Eduardo Romero, head of the Caribbean regional delegation for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies based in Santo Domingo, said conditions continued to worsen.

"Now that we are able to reach many of the previously isolated communities we can see the full scope of the disaster,'' said Mr. Romero.

"Roofs have been ripped off, entire villages wiped out, and clean water is difficult to find.

"If they cannot get more food and water into the overcrowded shelters and improve sanitary conditions, even more people will die.'' IFRC officials fear the congested living conditions -- with estimates of up to 200,000 homeless -- may give rise to cholera and dengue.

The Red Cross is committing itself for a one year emergency relief and rehabilitation operation.

But the country's full recovery may take many more years to restore an 80 percent loss of agricultural crops and extensive damage to the island's infrastructure.

Interested persons should contact Ann-Spencer Ascott by telephone at 236-8253 or by mail at Bermuda Red Cross, Hurricane Georges International Relief Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03.