AID SOUGHT FOR VICTIMS OF HURRICAND MITCH

Highly developed countries, including the United States, benefit from many technological advances in dealing with forces of nature. Because of thorough and accurate warnings of major storms, for example, -- hurricanes, tornadoes, flood-producing thunderstorms -- Americans tend to be better prepared, often bracing for a storm's impact or leaving the area to get out of harm's way.

But despite the ability to watch a storm develop thanks to sophisticated radar and other early-warning systems, hundreds of Americans die each year as the result of violent acts of nature.

Imagine, then, the situation in Central America where neither the technology nor the infrastructure for dealing with storms exist. As a result, Hurricane Mitch has had a devastating impact. Recent estimates put the loss of life above 7,000 persons, mostly due to flooding and mudslides in the aftermath of the hurricane. At one point in Guatamala, the storm produced 25 inches of rainfall in a six-hour period.

In addition to the dreadful storm deaths, there are storm effects that will linger for months to come. In Honduras, it is estimated that 70 percent of the nation's crops have been destroyed by Hurricane Mitch. This means serious problems ahead in feeding the country's survivors, as well as economic woes that always accompany such devastation.

The president of Honduras has issued an appeal for international aid in this time of crisis. Historically, much of that aid has come from the United States, where charitable giving and helping those in need are ingrained in our culture.

It can be expected that millions of Americans will respond to the call for aid in Central America. International relief agencies based in this country will be stretched to their limits to provide adequate emergency supplies, food and temporary shelter.

For anyone who would like to make a donation for Hurrican Mitch victims, there are any number of ways to do so. Here are just a few of the key agencies that are helping to provide relief in Central America:

-- American Red Cross: International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. (1-800-HELP-NOW)

-- Baptist World Aid: 6733 Curran St., McLean, Va. 22101. (1-703-790-8980)

-- CARE: 151 Ellis St. NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30303-2426. (1-800-422-7385)

-- Catholic Relief Services: P.O. Box 17090, Baltimore, Md. 21203-7090 (1-800-235-2772)

-- Salvation Army: World Service Office, 615 Slaters Lane, Alexandria, Va. 22313 (1-703-684-5528)

-- United Methodist Committee on Relief: 475 Riverside Driver, Room 330, New York, N.Y. 10115 (1-212-870-3816)