Iran: Earthquake [DHA-02: 04-Mar-97]
Iran: Earthquake [DHA-02: 04-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
IRAN - EARTHQUAKE ARDEBIL
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO. 2
4 MARCH 1997
Government of Iran appeals for international assistance
The Islamic Republic of Iran today formally appealed to the international
community for assistance to the victims of the earthquake-devastated
Ardebil province.
1. An earthquake of magnitude 5.5 hit the Sarab and Meshkin region of
Ardebil province, 420 km northwest of Teheran, at 13.01 GMT on Friday 28
February 1997. On Sunday 2 March at 18.40 GMT another earthquake of
magnitude 5.1 hit the same area. To date more than 133 aftershocks have
been recorded. Ardebil province has a population of more than one million
people living in 2,000 villages. Present weather conditions consist of
temperatures down to minus 10 degrees celsius and snow of up to 1.5
metres.
2. The UN Resident Coordinator reports that the latest provisional
figures given on casualties/damages by the Iranian authorities are:
- 965 people killed
- 2,600 injured
- 60,000 people affected
- 20 villages: completely destroyed
- 80 villages: 40 to 90 per cent destroyed
- 30,000 livestock perished
Heavy damage to roads, electrical power lines, water supplies,
telecommunications and transport networks.Also heavy damage to schools,
rural health centres and public buildings.
3. National response is provided by provincial and national authorities
and the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which so far distributed 8,700
tents, 21,800 blankets, 15,300 heaters and large quantities of food
supplies (from stocks already depleted following the earthquake of 4
February 1997). Over 4,000 relief workers (700 teams) together with
ambulances and helicopters are working in the region.
4. The Government of Iran has appealed for international humanitarian
assistance. The preferred assistance would be cash contributions or
contributions in kind, covering inter-alia the following needs:
a) Food: Rice, grains, sugar, cooking oil, canned food and tea.
b) Shelter: Tents, family tents, blankets, plastic sheeting, cookers,
floor cover (12 sqm), kitchen sets, lanterns, water buckets and shoes.
c) Medical supplies: Essential drugs, in-patient drugs, dressing
supplies, nursing care supplies, operation theatre supplies, vaccines,
x-ray machines and supplies.
d) Water/Sanitation: Water pumps, water tanks, water distribution points,
disinfectants, pesticides, chlorinometer, sprayers, fiberglass latrines,
prefabricated bathrooms, chlorine powder.
e) Others: Tractors, combines, deep cultivators, agricultural equipment
and attachments, wheat seeds, barley seeds, potato seeds, etc.
A complete and detailed list of items needed is available with DHA-Geneva,
including quantities required, estimated costs in US dollars, availability
in-country and specific agencies responsible for the implementation of
each project. Interested donors may consult with DHA-Geneva.
Assistance may be channelled through DHA-Geneva or directly through the
Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Iran.
5. The UN Resident Coordinator in Tehran informs that the UN assessment
mission in the affected area reports efficient and well coordinated relief
efforts by the Government and the Iranian Red Crescent Society.
6. The following contributions have been reported to DHA- Geneva to date:
US DOLLARS
DHA 50,000
UNDP 200,000
UNFPA 50,000
UNHCR (in kind) 50,000
WHO 30,000
UNICEF (tentative) 30,000
WFP (in-kind) 40,000
Norwegian Govt. (through DHA) 30,000
Danish Govt. 35,000
IFRC (for RCI) 50,000
7. It has been agreed that, after the relief operation, a joint
Government/United Nations team will evaluate the use of the relief
assistance and provide a detailed report to the donor community.
8. 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.
9. Funds should be transferred to DHA account No. CO.590. 160.1, Swiss
Bank Corporation, POB 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference: Iran
earthquake/Ardebil.
10. 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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