The Bermuda Red Cross has raised more than $100,000 in a week to help families whose lives were torn apart by Hurricane Dorian.

The Category 5 hurricane tore through the Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama last week, destroying thousands of homes and killing at least 50 people.

Ann Spencer-Arscott, the executive director of the Bermuda Red Cross, said: “On September 3 we launched an appeal to the residents of Bermuda to aid those devastated by Hurricane Dorian, one of the strongest hurricanes on record in the Atlantic Ocean.

“As of September 10, Bermuda Red Cross have collected over $100,000.”

She said all the funds will be sent to the British Red Cross, which will transfer the money to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent.

Ms Spencer-Arscott added: “We want to thank you, Bermuda, for opening your hearts to our fellow islanders to the south.”

As of yesterday, Anthony Ferguson, the commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, said 42 bodies had been found in Abaco and eight recovered on Grand Bahama.

The World Food Programme has estimated that 70,000 people have been affected and in need of aid as a result of the storm.

• To give to the Red Cross, call 236-8253 or visit their offices at 9 Berry Hill Road, Paget.

• To donate directly to the Hurricane Dorian Relief Fund, the public can make deposits to BNTB Bank Account #20-006-060-365472-200 or Clarien Bank Account #4010035760