In the wake of the Guatemala earthquake, the Red Cross has launched a massive aid and rescue operation to deals with the million people left homeless and the 74,000 inured during the quake.

Chimalternango---31 miles (50 kilometres) from Guatemala City--is typical of the destruction wrought by the earthquake that left at least 22,000 people dead. The town with a population of 22,000 was also one of the most severely hit by the 'quake---at least 5,000 people died there.

Within hours of the earthquake hitting Guatemala, the Geneva based League of Red Cross Societies was sending in medical teams, food, blankets and clothing. In the world of one Red Cross official the task facing the international relief organisation was "enormous". To support their efforts the Red Cross is till urgently appealing for funds through its League offices around the world.

The pain and suffering caused by the earthquake is graphically illustrated in Chimaltenango where the Red Cross has taken over a deserted school. Form there, a 25 strong Nicaraguan Red Cross team have organised relief. Clothing and 2,000 blankets have been distributed, against below zero temperatures. An a field hospital is treating the injured.

Despite the havoc created by the earthquake, the Red Cross said first impressions indicated a certain morale had ben regained among the people. However, a strong termor lasting about 23 seconds rocked Guatemala on Wednesday (18 February) causing new fears. It was one of the strongest of over 900 tremors and aftershocks felt since the 4 February earthquake.