Iran: Earthquake [DHA-03: 07-Mar-97]
Iran: Earthquake [DHA-03: 07-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
IRAN - EARTHQUAKE ARDEBIL
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO. 3
7 MARCH 1997
Iran appeals for international assistance
The Islamic Republic of Iran on 4 March 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 500 aftershocks have been recorded.
2. The UN Resident Coordinator reports that the 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
- 12,000 houses damaged by more than 40 per cent
- 105 schools destroyed
- 40 medical/health centres destroyed
- 9 communication centres destroyed
- 30 villages with water distribution systems destroyed
- 30,000 livestock perished
Heavy damage to roads and electrical power lines.
3. National response is provided by provincial and national authorities and
the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which so far distributed 11,000 tents,
21,800 blankets, 15,300 heaters and large quantities of food supplies (from
stocks already depleted following the earthquake of 4 February 1997). 700
relief teams are working in the region.
4. The UN assessment team to the disaster area confirms the extensive extent
of the damages. It also confirms the efficiency of the relief operation run
by the Government and the Iranian Red Crescent Society, which is performed in
an environment of snow, below zero temperatures and fog.
5. 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 covers (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, chlorinometers, sprayers, fiberglass latrines,
prefabricated bathrooms, chlorine powder.
e) Others: Tractors, combines, deep cultivators, agricultural equipment
and attachments, wheat seeds, barley seeds, potato seeds.
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.
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
German Govt. (through Red Cross) 177,
500
French Govt. (through DHA) 70,
400
Japan Govt. (bilateral)
245,000
United Kingdom Govt. (through DHA)
201,600
OPEC Fund (through DHA) 300,
000
IFRC (for RCI) 50,000
IFRC has launched an appeal on behalf of the Iranian Red Crescent Society of
US Dollars 6,1 million. To date IFRC has received contributions in cash and
in-kind of US Dollars 890,600 towards this appeal.
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. at Swiss Bank
Corporation, POB 2770, CH-1211 Geneva 2, with reference: Iran
earthquake/Ardebil, DHA-Geneva.
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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