A third Bermudian has been reported missing in Mississippi after the region was hit by catastrophic Hurricane Katrina on Monday.

And there is still no word on the whereabouts of Bermudian brothers Jamel and Jashun Thomas, who went missing in New Orleans after the hurricane flooded the city.

Yesterday Deborah Pires told The Royal Gazette she has been unable to contact her daughter and two grandsons since the hurricane, which has claimed hundreds of lives, hit.

Mrs. Pires' daughter, Sarah Ridgeley moved to the US as a child and was living in Gulfport, Mississippi, with her two sons aged ten and six, when Katrina struck.

Yesterday Mrs. Pires said: "I feel like I have deserted her altogether.

"I look at the TV every night to see if I can see her face."

Another anxious Bermudian mother, Jean Montagne still has had no word from her sons Jamel Thomas, 19 and Jashun Thomas 17.

"She has been on the computer all night and telephone looking for any leads with only two hours of sleep if that," her cousin Sarah Simmons said yesterday. "Her nerves are just shot."

But a third mother, Bertha Griffin, has been able to contact her 11-year-son Jamere in Gulfport but is now afraid for his safety with "indescribable" looting in the area. Mrs. Griffin spoke to Jamere's father, who is a Gulfport Policeman, who described the anarchy and horror of the situation.

"Bodies are everywhere," Ms Griffin said.

"A brother and a sister got into a fight over a bag of ice. The brother shot the sister in the forehead."

Bermuda Salvation Army commander Major Lindsay Rowe said the organisation is now receiving donations which will be used to feed survivors.

Bermuda's branch is looking to form a team of volunteers to help distribute the meals once the US asks for help. Donations can be made online at www.sab.bm or at the Army's North Street office.

Premier Alex Scott offered his sympathy to the US Consulate on Tuesday.

"Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you as state and federal agencies work together to complete the restoration process," Mr. Scott said.

Acting US Consul Antoinette Boecker said she was deeply moved by the Premier's heartfelt letter and would share it with Consul General Gregory Slayton who arrived on the Island yesterday.