An appeal has been launched by Bermuda Red Cross for those impacted by the recent earthquake in Haiti.

The Caribbean country suffered the 7.2-magnitude quake just before 9.30am local time on August 14. The death toll has reached 1,249.

A spokeswoman for Bermuda Red Cross said: “Early damage assessments indicate that at least 800,000 people could be directly exposed to minor to severe damages, including communication, access, security, loss of livelihoods, infrastructure, and health services could be impacted.

“The earthquake struck during a current political crisis, which is ongoing since the president of Haiti was assassinated on July 7.

“In addition, according to the National Hurricane Centre, Tropical Storm Grace, which formed in the eastern Caribbean the same morning, is on a path towards Haiti with possible landfall on Tuesday, August 17.”

The Haiti Red Cross Society (HRCS) with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent is assessing damages and needs in the affected areas.

The spokeswoman added: “There are either heavily damaged or destroyed homes, roads, and infrastructure, and the affected communities and households are forced to seek shelter. The HRCS is also supporting search and rescue, first aid, emergency healthcare, and shelter, which is a priority for the Red Cross.

“Currently, search and rescue teams are supporting Les Cayes, Nippes, and Grand’Anse. The HRCS is in close communication for a coordinated response with local, provincial, and national authorities and other humanitarian organisations. Volunteers are responding to the needs of the community.”

Donations can be made by direct deposit into the following account: Bank of NT Butterfield 20-006-060-663859-200 or by visiting the website www.bermudaredcross.com using a debit/credit card.

Alternatively, the charity can be contacted by phone on 236-8253 from Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4pm with card details. Donations can be mailed to: Bermuda Red Cross, Haiti Earthquake Appeal, Charleswood, 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget DV 03.

Donors may also visit the office in person.