Iran: Earthquake [DHA-04: 11-Mar-97]
Iran: Earthquake [DHA-04: 11-Mar-97]
United Nations
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
IRAN - EARTHQUAKE ARDEBIL
DHA-GENEVA SITUATION REPORT NO. 4
11 MARCH 1997
Harsh climatic conditions worsen earthquake victims situation
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 920 aftershocks
have been recorded. As of 7 March heavy snowfall hit the disaster
area, and more than 1 meter of snow blocked the roads to the affected
villages. Temperatures fell sharply, and for the last days the daytime
temperatures have been reported to be approx. - 18 degrees Celcius,
whilst nighttime temperatures have reached - 28.
2. The UN Resident Coordinator reports that the figures given on
casualties/damages by the Iranian authorities remain as stated in our
Situation Report no. 3, and that, in addition, the water distribution
systems in 30 villages are destroyed and 347 km of roads are damaged.
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). 9,850 relief workers are working
in the region. The severe climatic conditions are affecting both the
victims living in make-shift tents, and the relief operation. In a
number of villages the Government and the local authorities are
organizing the evacuation of people from highland areas where frost
and snow are rendering the continuation of the relief operation
impossible.
4. In spite of the above-mentioned unfavourable conditions, the UN
Office in Tehran considers the relief operation efficient.
Distributions in the affected area are continuing on the basis of
ration books issued by the Iranian Red Crescent to the impacted
population.
5. The preferred assistance would be cash contributions or
contributions in kind, as mentioned in our Situation Report no. 3.
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
+ in-kind (DHA,Pisa) 60,000
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
Italian Govt, in-kind (DHA,Pisa) 226,000
Republic of Korea (bilateral) 50,000
New Zealand Govt. (through DHA) 34,500
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 covering 20
per cent of 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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