The Bermuda Red Cross reported Bermudians are responding rapidly to the Iran Earthquake Appeal, which was launched last week.

It is estimated that 30,000 to 40,000 lives were lost in the earthquake, which measured 6.6 on the Richter scale.

Yesterday afternoon, charity director Ann Spencer-Arscott said that they had raised just over $5,000, in the week since the appeal began.

"It's not bad for a week," said Ms Spencer-Arscott.

"We keep appeals open for at least six weeks."

She said the public were either telephoning in donations, dropping them off or depositing them into the Red Cross Accounts.

To donate with a debit or credit card, telephone 236-8253. Donations can also be dropped off at the Bermuda Red Cross headquarters on 9 Berry Hill Road, or money can be deposited directly into accounts at the Bank of Bermuda (701-21565), the Bank of N.T. Butterfield (20-006-060-401365-200) or Gibbons Deposit Company (35760).