In the wake of the overwhelming death and destruction suffered this past week in Bam, Iran, the Bermuda Red Cross yesterday announced that it has launched a cash appeal for the victims of the Iranian earthquake.

?We have been approached by lots of individuals, churches and companies in the past couple of days who have wanted to help the people of Bam in some way,? said Ann Spencer-Arscott, the director of the Bermuda Red Cross.

?We feel the best way we in Bermuda can help is by helping to fund Red Cross efforts in Iran.?

The Island branch of the British Red Cross Society is asking the community to support this appeal to assist those in Bam, where at the latest estimate some 50,000 people may have been killed and 80 per cent of the city destroyed.

Within hours of the earthquake hitting in the early hours of Friday morning, the Iranian Red Crescent mobilised thousands of staff and volunteers to help those were affected.

Thanks to this most recent effort of the international aid organisation, more than 40,000 families have received help in areas affected.

So far the the Red Cross has been responsible for distributing food, bottled water and some 90,000 tents, 200,000 blankets, 56,000 pieces of clothing, 20,000 kerosene heaters and 30 electric generators to the most vulnerable victims of the earthquake.

In addition the British Red Cross has flown in an emergency response unit to co-ordinate the distribution these relief goods.

But due to the massive scale of the disaster, the Iranian Red Crescent needs the aid of the Bermudian people, a Red Cross press release said yesterday.

Thus the Island?s branch has appealed to the generosity of the Bermuda public to assist the thousands of Iranian people who are in need of medical attention, shelter and other basic needs.

All those who are interested in making a donation to the Iran Earthquake Relief Fund can either donate directly to the following accounts:

Bank of Bermuda 701-21565

Bank of N.T. Butterfield 20-006-060-401365-200

Gibbons Deposit Company 35760

You can also call in to the Red Cross to donate with a credit or debit card at 236-8253

Donations can also be sent by mail to:

Bermuda Red Cross

Iran Earthquake Relief Fund

Charleswood

9 Berry Hill Road

Paget DV03