The Bermuda Red Cross is urging the community to help survivors of the Myanmar cyclone disaster.

More than 1.5 million people have been left destitute following Cyclone Nargis, which tore through the Irrawaddy delta rice bowl two weeks ago. The hurricane left 100,000 people dead or missing but could now claim more lives from disease and starvation.

The scale of devastation in the region is "overwhelming", according to Bridget Gardner, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies' head of delegation. She says displaced communities are in desperate need of basic shelter, access to clean water and first aid.

"Shelter is the issue here," she said. "In Laputta, there are more than 10,000 people without basic shelter and it has now started to rain heavily."

There is also an urgent need for material support.

"During the cyclone, many people held on to trees to avoid being blown away. At the same time they were almost sand-blasted by dirt and saltwater. Many lost the top layer of their skin and so it's important that these injuries are treated before infections can set in," said Ms Gardner.

In Yangon, the arrival of four Red Cross-Red Crescent water purification units will produce a million litres of fresh water each day, and by tomorrow, it is estimated that 180 tonnes of Red Cross-Red Crescent aid will have arrived in Myanmar. Rice is being distributed to the delta and Red Cross family kits for 10,000 people — consisting of tarpaulins, pots, mosquito nets, water purification tablets and soap, are due to arrive shortly.

More support is needed however to ensure that the death toll does not increase.

Ann Spencer-Arscott, director of the Bermuda Red Cross, said: "This is such a devastating disaster and they can use all the help they can get. The response locally so far has been slow, particularly with the China earthquake coming on top of it, so please call in with your credit card, cash or cheque donations."

Anyone wanting to make a donation can do so at the following bank accounts:

Bank of Bermuda: 010-187417-011

Butterfield Bank: 20-006-060-663859-200

All funds will go directly to the British Red Cross. To contact the Bermuda Red Cross, telephone 236-8253.