Speedy Red Crescent response as earthquake leaves hundreds dead in Iran
22 June 2002

Nearly 100 villages have been badly damaged or destroyed in several Iranian provinces as an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale struck early this morning. The worst affected is Qazbin province, northwest of Tehran. The earthquake at 7.28 am was followed by several aftershocks. The strongest four hours later, registered 5.2 on the Richter Scale.

The Iranian Red Crescent has 400 relief workers from four neighbouring provinces on site, involved in search and rescue and the evacuation of dead and injured. It has also sent two specialised relief teams from the capital, Tehran, where the Red Crescent has a regional relief centre designed to respond with speed and efficiency to breaking disasters. Search dogs with trainers have also been despatched to look for survivors buried under rubble.

More than 400 people are feared dead and more than 1,000 injured. An assessment team sent by the Iranian Red Crescent to affected areas, has so far found that in Qazbin province, 52 villages have been either damaged or totally destroyed. In the northern province of Hamadan, a further 22 villages were likewise affected and 10 villages in Zanjan province.

The Iranian Red Crescent, which had rescue workers on-site within an hour of the disaster, also used helicopters to reach villages in the mountains cut off by landslides or damaged bridges and to evacuate the injured. Food, tents and other relief items will soon be distributed to those left homeless.

A second Red Crescent assessment team will be sent to the affected areas on Sunday, joined by relief and logistics workers from the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. There has so far been no call for international assistance but the Iranian Red Crescent will review the situation following tomorrow's assessment. The International Federation is on standby to launch an appeal if necessary.

For further information, or to set up interviews, please contact:

Jemini Pandya, Press Officer Tel: 41 79 217 3374/41 79 416 3881

The Geneva-based International Federation promotes the humanitarian activities of 181 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.