http://www.ifrc.org/DOCS/News/pr02/4602.asp
IFRC-Red Cross Red Crescent appeal launched for victims
of earthquake in Iran
25 June 2002
An appeal for 3.4 million Swiss francs to support
some 25,000 people left homeless by the June 22 earthquake in north-western Iran
was launched today by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent
Societies. The assistance will be channelled through the Iranian Red Crescent
Society (IRCS) operation to assist survivors of the tremor, which left 237
people dead, at least 1,300 injured and thousands homeless. Some 70 villages
were heavily damaged in the provinces of Qazvin, Hamadan and Zanjan (destruction
in these villages ranges from 10 per cent to 90 per cent) and 2,000 hectares of
farmland were destroyed.
Some 25,000 persons require care and assistance until rebuilding can begin. The
appeal funds will be used to purchase food, tents, medicines and medical
supplies as well as water and sanitation materials and equipment (including
water pumps, tanks and water purification tablets). "There is pressure on the
health infrastructure and widespread damage to the water supply system. We are
particularly concerned to ensure that people have adequate access to clean
water, and thus prevent the spread of disease," noted Iain Logan, operations
manager for the Federation in Geneva.
Joint IRCS/Federation assessments of survivors' needs are continuing, and the
results will provide the basis for a full appeal in due course. Iranian Red
Crescent rescue teams and helicopters were on site in the hours following the
earthquake, searching for survivors in the rubble, providing first aid and
airlifting the most seriously injured to hospital. Some 2,500 rescuers and
volunteers were mobilized in the emergency operation, supported by rescue dogs
and 50 ambulances. Distribution of more than 100 tonnes of tents, blankets,
food, water and hygiene articles to 5,000 families is continuing.
For further information, or to set up interviews,
please contact:
Denis McClean, Head, Media Service - Tel: + 41
22 730 44 28 / +41 79 217 33 57
Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer - Tel: + 41 22 730 43 46 / +41 79 217
33 45
The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the
humanitarian activities of 178 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
among vulnerable people. By coordinating international disaster relief and
encouraging development support, it seeks to prevent and alleviate human
suffering. The Federation, National Societies and the International Committee of
the Red Cross together, constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent
Movement.