Iran: Earthquake [DHA-01: 03-Mar-97]
Iran: Earthquake [DHA-01: 03-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
IRAN - EARTHQUAKE ARDEBIL
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO. 1
3 MARCH 1997
1. An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 hit the Sarab and Meshkin region of
Ardebil province, 420 km northwest of Tehran, at 13.01 GMT on 28 February
1997. On Sunday 2 March at 18.40 GMT another earthquake of lesser
magnitude hit the same area. Ardebil province has a population of more
than one million people living in 2,000 villages. Present weather
conditions: temperatures down to minus 10 degrees Celsius and snow of up
to 1.5 Metres.
2. Latest provisional figures given by the Iranian authorities indicate
554 people killed, 2,400 injured, 36, 000 homeless, more than 80 villages
have been destroyed with damages ranging from 40 to 80 per cent.
Electricity, telecommunications and transport networks are damaged in a
wide area, making a full assessment difficult.
3. National response is provided by provincial and national authorities
and the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which so far distributed 6,000
tents, 25,600 blankets, 3,500 heaters, 1,000 kerosene cookers, as well as
tools, shoes, clothing, soap and food from stocks already severely
stretched following the earthquake of 4 February 1997. Over 3,000 relief
workers with over 400 trucks, ambulances and helicopters were dispatched
to the region.
4. The Government of Iran has announced its preparedness to receive and
welcome any international humanitarian assistance. Priority items listed
by the Government include rice, pulses and canned food, group-and
family-size tents, blankets, winter clothing, heaters, water tankers, 4WD
pick-ups and plastic sheeting.
5. The UN Disaster Management Team in Tehran has been activated and its
assessment mission reached the affected region on 2 March 1997. Based on
the UN team assessment and the needs identified by the Government, a list
of priority requirements, including specific quantities and implementing
partners will be finalized by DHA/UNDP Resident Representative, Tehran
tomorrow 4 March.
6. DHA is prepared to serve as a channel for cash contributions to be
utilized during the immediate relief phase. Funds are spent in
coordination with the relevant organizations of the UN system, and DHA
provides donor Governments with written confirmation on their use.
7. Funds should be transferred to DHA account No. CO.590. 160.1, Swiss
Bank Corporation, PO Box 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference Iran-
earthquake/Ardebil.
8. For coordination purposes, donors are requested to inform DHA Geneva
of bilateral pledges, contributions and other activities, indicating the
corresponding value by item.
Telephone No. + 41-22-917.12.34
In case of emergency only: + 41-22-917.20.10
Desk Officer: Mr. G. Andreassen, direct Tel.+ 41-22-917.32.39
Press to contact: Ms. M. Moulin-Acevedo
direct Tel. + 41-22-917.28.56
Telex: 414242 dha ch
Fax: +41-22-917.00.23
E.Mail: dhagva@dha.unicc.org
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