As the United States authorities calculate the cost of the devastation caused by hurricane Katrina, which swept through three states killing thousands of people and leaving countless others homeless, the Maltese have been asked to help by assisting the US with goods.

Civil Protection Department head Peter Cordina said that the European Union had activated its mechanism for civil protection following a request for assistance from the United States.

The Maltese people are being asked for blankets, first aid kits, tents, bedding, water, cash and other equipment. The CPD will be collecting the requested items between 8am and 7pm today at the following places: Ta’ Kandja Civil Protection HQ, Xemxija Fire Station, Corradino Fire Station, Hal-Far Fire Station, Attard Parish Centre and Gozo Fire Station.

Money will not be collected from these places. However, people wishing to donate cash are invited to make deposits in the accounts at BOV, HSBC and APS. Details of these accounts will be made available later on today. Money donations will be collected until Wednesday.

Further information can be obtained from the headquarters of the Civil Protection Department on telephone 2146-2610.