DROUGHT IN IRAN: APPEAL FOR ESSENTIAL WATER
15 July 2002

In order to prolong its essential drought relief programme in Iran until May 2003, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is appealing for 900,000 Swiss francs to continue its assistance to 65,000 people (16,000 families) in the province of Sistan ve Baluchistan.

Five years of crippling drought in south-eastern Iran have caused water levels to reach record lows. With many reservoirs and lakes completely dry and the water in some wells too salty to drink, the only source of water for tens of thousands of people is that distributed by the Iranian Red Crescent at 32 locations, under a highly successful Federation programme which was begun in September 2000. Each family receives about 30 litres of water a day through a network of fixed tanks installed in the villages and mobile water tankers which supply the tanks.

Strict water rationing had to be introduced in the province of Sistan ve Baluchistan, where the population has access to water a mere six hours every second day. "The region is one of the most affected in the country", explains Mostafa Mohagegh, Director of the Iranian Red Crescent's International Department. "In 15 out of 28 provinces still exposed to the drought, water reservoirs have not recovered their normal levels after last winter's sporadic rains."

The Federation drought relief programme includes the collection of solid waste in areas where water tanks are located and a health education component, implemented by Iranian Red Crescent volunteers, who carry out home visits to the most vulnerable families, which include many Afghan refugees. Since the programme began, diarrhea cases have decreased and the number of vaccinated children is now 42% higher than 20 months ago.

According to the Iranian meteorological organisation, the drought is expected to continue, raising concerns about the health of people who have restricted access to drinking water and very little water left with which to wash and maintain a minimum level of hygiene.

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

In Amman
Sébastien Carliez, Regional Information Delegate - Tel: + 9626 568 1060 / + 962 795 900 520
Saleh Dabbakeh, Regional Information Officer - Tel: + 9626 568 1060 / + 962 795 851 122

In Geneva
Marie-Françoise Borel, Information Officer - Tel: +41 22 730 43 46 / +41 79 217 3345

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.