volcano-stricken Caribbean island.

It is working in conjunction with the Red Cross National Societies and branches of the British and Dutch Red Cross Societies in the Caribbean to support the efforts of the Montserrat Red Cross.

Montserrat is effectively cut off from the outside world through the closure of its airport and main shipping port due to increased volcanic activity.

The port's closure has even prevented the delivery of an ambulance donated by St. John's Ambulance.

And Montserrat Red Cross director Lystra Osborne said the closures would cause islanders needs to escalate further.

She said relief needs were already on the rise as people were moving into emergency shelters in the north of the island because the danger zone had been enlarged.

More than 1,000 people are already housed in shelters.

The organisation set up an advance medical post last week and search and rescue teams are providing burn treatment to people in affected areas.

St. Maarten Red Cross has leaped in to assist by transporting foodstuffs to the island in a small boat which can dock in the island's safe zone.

And the Bermuda Red Cross is asking Bermudians to support their appeal for cash. Donations can be made at the following accounts: Bank of Bermuda, 1001-444517; Bank of N.T. Butterfield, 006-060-663859-100; and Bermuda Commercial Bank, 018-01-00688.

Donations can also be made by mail to the Bermuda Red Cross Montserrat Volcano Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03. For more information call 236-8253.

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