A disaster cash appeal has been launched by the Bermuda Red Cross for people affected by back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela.

The charity’s call is part of a wider effort by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to raise 50 million Swiss francs — about $61.84 million.

It came within two days of the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude earthquakes that resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people in Venezuela, where thousands were left injured.

The Bermuda Red Cross said that money raised will support the Venezuelan Red Cross in assisting 300,000 people seriously hit.

It added that the initial focus will be on La Guaira and Greater Caracas, where the destruction is most severe.

Jagan Chapagain, the secretary-general of the IFRC, said: “Tens of thousands of lives have changed for ever.

“IFRC and Venezuelan Red Cross teams responded immediately, the value of having local teams, permanently in place, has already become clear. But a disaster of this scale cannot rest on local shoulders alone.

“We call on the international community to support our emergency appeal, providing support over coming days and for the long road ahead.”

The Bermuda Red Cross noted that there has been widespread destruction to homes and businesses after the earthquakes on Wednesday, with reports of structural collapses in parts of Caracas and across several states.

It added: “Critical infrastructure has also suffered, with damage to airports, hospitals, transport and other public services.

“Power and phone lines have been disrupted isolating some of the affected communities.

“While the situation in Venezuela following the earthquake is still developing, the humanitarian needs are serious and urgent.”

The charity said efforts by the Venezuelan Red Cross Society so far have included emergency medical response, search-and-rescue operations, the preparation of shelters and crisis assessments.

It added: “With communications disrupted and many families separated and because large Venezuelan communities live across the region, national Red Cross societies in ten countries — Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Guatemala, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina — have activated restoring family links services to help people find news of their relatives.”

Donations can be made by direct deposit into Bank of N.T. Butterfield account 20 006 060 663859 200.

Alternatively, debit or credit cards can be used via the Bermuda Red Cross website at bermudaredcross.com or the charity can be called on 236-8253 Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 4pm.

Residents can also visit the office at 11 Berry Hill Road, Paget.