Bermuda's Honorary Italian Consul Gioacchino Di Meglio is urging compatriots to chip in for funds to help communities back home which have been hit by earthquakes.

More than 200 people were killed in Monday's quake the worst to hit Italy in 30 years while thousands were left homeless in the area centred around the medieval town L'Aquila, about 70 miles from Rome.

Mr. Di Meglio and his family lost friends in the tragedy.

He said: "Our thoughts and prayers of the community go out to the victims and their families at this sad time."

Italian residents in Bermuda were rallying together to find the best way to collect funds to assist the Italian community and victims of this week's earthquakes, said Mr Di Meglio.

Collection boxes will be placed in all Italian establishments on the Island, including restaurants, Lindo's supermarkets and clothing retailer Stefanel, to allow Italian citizens and Bermuda residents to make their donations to this cause.

The funds will be sent to the areas most in need, with the assistance of the Italian Red Cross.

The effort is being spearheaded by Nicola Russo at La Trattoria who can be contacted on 295-1877.

The donation will be made on behalf of the citizens of Bermuda and not just the Italian community.