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24 June 2002 The Iranian Red Crescent is continuing to distribute tents, blankets, food, water and hygiene articles to some 5,000 families left homeless by the devastating earthquake that struck several provinces in north-western Iran on Saturday June 22. The tremor, followed by several aftershocks, killed 237 people, injured some 1,500 and left thousands homeless. A total of 70 villages were either damaged or destroyed. With the rescue phase over, and the distribution of essential relief items continuing, the priority now is ensuring survivors have adequate supplies of clean water according to Mostafa Mohaghegh, head of the Iranian Red Crescent International Department. "We are most concerned with the water situation, since normal water supply systems have been destroyed and it is difficult to transport water into these remote villages", underlines Mr. Mohaghegh. "There are no special health problems currently, but if survivors do not have access to clean water quickly, sanitation and health will be a concern." Water is being trucked in by small tankers by the Iranian Red Crescent, who is responsible for the major part of the relief distribution to survivors. Some 2,000 Red Crescent volunteers as well as more than 500 relief workers - including specialized dog teams - and 50 ambulances were mobilized in the hours following the quake, initially to search for survivors and currently, to distribute more than 100 tonnes of food and emergency items. Primary health care services are provided by teams of doctors and nurses, with the most severe cases being flown out, by helicopter, to hospitals in nearby cities. Most of the severe injuries are crushed limbs, caused by houses falling on their occupants. Since the tremor hit early in the morning, many people were still at home. The United Arab Emirates Red Crescent and the State of Kuwait have sent in additional assistance, including blankets, medicines, medical supplies and food. Further assessments are being carried out to determine long-term needs. Related Links: Information Bulletin Make an online donation Press Release - 22 June 2002: Speedy Red Crescent response as earthquake leaves hundreds dead in Iran |
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