Government has pledged $50,000 to relief efforts by the Bermuda Red Cross for the storm-devastated Philippines.

The Pacific nation, which has a large community in Bermuda, was hit by Typhoon Haiyan on Friday and may have lost 10,000 people to the storm.

Premier Craig Cannonier yesterday offered prayers to the victims and their families.

He said that Bermudians, as fellow islanders, “know the devastation that hurricanes can bring, as we have weathered many, many storms”.

Mr Cannonier added: “The Filipino community is an integral and important part of Bermuda and we understand and identify with their anguish. The loss of life is truly overwhelming.”

Telecommunications firms Logic and TBI today also promised their support.

Said a spokesman: “TBI has pledged $1,000 to the Bermuda Red Cross to assist victims of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Bermuda Red Cross donation buckets are also available at the TBI customer care centre on Victoria Street for members of the public wishing make a contribution.”

Persons are asked to telephone 296-9000 for more information.

Meanwhile, Logic Communications Ltd is offering free calls to residents trying to get in contact with relatives in the devastated nation.

Said a spokesman: “We understand that loved ones are still trying to connect with family members overseas. We would like to invite all members of the community in Bermuda to come to the retail store at 30 Victoria Street, where there will be phones set up to make free long distance calls to the Philippines between the hours of 8.30am and 4pm (from today until Friday, November 22).”

Computer terminals will also be set up with internet use for persons trying to contact friends and family overseas however the store will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, the spokesperson added.

The news came as the Association of Filipinos in Bermuda thanked the community for its continuing support, adding that cash donations were preferred to clothing.

It would take two to three months for a container of clothing to reach the Philippines and shipping costs could run up to $6,0000, a spokeswoman said.

She added that a container shipment could be organised at a later time when survivors will have “hopefully settled back to their normal lives”.

The group thanked those who supported Monday’s luncheon in aid of the Philippines, and said donations are currently being taken at Butterfield Account no. 2000 6060 258 204 100.

Funds raised will be equally divided among contacts of the Association with the Catholic Relief Services, Operation Blessing, and the Philippine National Red Cross. Part of the first collection is to be sent to the three charities “in the next few days”. A list of initial donors will also be posted on Facebook.

Bermuda Red Cross director Ann Spencer-Arscott said the organisation was working with the Philippines Red Cross to help trace persons left missing after the storm.

“We ask that members of the Filipino community first try to touch base with other relatives in the country, in case they have heard from their displaces families,” she said.

“If those families in the country have had no word and do not have access to welfare desks that have been set up in the affected areas, the family member in Bermuda can contact Bermuda Red Cross to complete a form, which will in turn be sent to PRC via the Tracing office of British Red Cross.”

As of yesterday, the group had received $93,350 in pledges, she said.

The UK’s Disasters Emergency Committee will match the Bermuda Red Cross donations up to a maximum of £5 million.

Donations can be made at the HSBC account no. 010 187417 012, or to Butterfield account no. 20 006 060 663859 200.