Iran, Severely Damaged By Earthquake, Receives Aid

Rescue teams from nations around the world continue to arrive in Iran’s ancient city, Bam, where most residents died or were injured by an earthquake that left the city in ruins. But victims of the earthquake have continued suffering for three days not only because the only remaining hospital is crowded but also because water and electricity were cut off and even worse, the temperature dropped below freezing.

Health Minister Ahmed Pezeshkian of Iran said on December 27, “We estimate about 65 to 70 percent of Bam’s population of 100,000 are dead or injured.” And also, “The exact death toll is not clear yet.”

The Iranian Internal Ministry estimates the death toll at approximately 20,000, but the mayor of Kerman city, Ahkbar Alabi, said, “We’re collecting the bodies now and it could reach 40,000.”

Foreign press reported that exhumed bodies are left everywhere only covered by cloth. The persons concerned appealed for help, saying, “Tents and waterproof cloth for victims are deficient and even body bags cannot be found.”

Officials on the ground said although rescue work continued, only about 20 survivors were found up to December 27 and the actual possibility of more survivors is low.

As of December 28, more than 21 countries such as France, Turkey and Germany are actively giving aid to Iran, and the U.S., which had named the country as part of the “axis of evil” and stopped dialogue, also sent a 200-person rescue and medical team.

South Korea sent a 119-person international rescue team including 24 men with equipment to detect victims. The Korean National Red Cross contributed 50,000 CHF (approximately 49 million won) for Iran through the Red Cross. Christian Social welfare group Good People and the Korean Foundation for World Aid also decided to send workers and medical teams to Iran.

On the other hand, Korean President Roh Moo-hyun consoled Iranian President Mohammad Khatami by sending a telegram in the afternoon of December 27, saying, “I am deeply grieved for such a large loss of human lives and property.”

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