Belco crews are not on standby to lend aid to storm-devastated Grenada but could step into the breach as Hurricane Ivan last night took direct aim at Jamaica.

The Caribbean Association of Electric Utilities (CARILEC) has crews from Dominica, St. Vincent, Aguilla, British Virgin Islands, St. Kitt?s, Barbados and St. Lucia ready to go to Grenada.

Belco spokeswoman Linda Smith said the association has not got definitive word from Grenada about what was required, although it was known its entire network was down.

She said with the threat to Jamaica, the situation was up in the air for Belco crews who are already helping restore power in the Bahamas, which was hit last week by Hurricane Frances.

Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Kitt?s had all suffered hurricane damage this week but they have said no assistance was required from other islands.

CARILEC will have experts on site today in Grenada where Ivan damaged 90 percent of homes and killed 13 people.

Bermuda resident Patricia Ratteray comes from Grenada and said she was still desperate for news, although she has heard her brother is safe after moving from his home in St. Andrews to get out of the path of the devastating storm.

The Red Cross launched an appeal yesterday and around a dozen callers had offered cash to the Bermuda branch.

There was still no word last night about whether the Bermuda Regiment would be sent to assist, although media relations officer Wayne Smith said the regiment was painfully aware of the situation in the Caribbean.

To donate money to the Red Cross campaign for victims of Hurricane Ivan deposit money to the Bank of Bermuda using code 701-19842, the Bank of Butterfield with 20-006-060-663859-200 or Capital G with 35760.

The charity has already spent more than $78,000 in Grenada. The charity has also launched an appeal for the victims of the school tragedy in Beslan, south-west Russia.