Islamic Republic of Iran: Earthquake OCHA Situation Report No. 1

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2006/0046
OCHA Situation Report No. 1
Islamic Republic of Iran - Earthquake

This report is based on information provided by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Liaison Office and the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Tehran, Islamic Republic of Iran.

I. SITUATION

1. A series of earthquakes, measuring between 2.8 to 6.0 on the Richter scale, followed by several aftershocks, struck Lorestan province in West Iran during the night of Thursday 30 March to early morning of Friday 31 March. According to national authorities, some 66 persons are confirmed dead, while 1200 persons are injured. The number of affected persons is expected to rise.

2. The main cities affected are Boroujerd and Dorud; however, provincial authorities estimate that there are more than 200 villages between the two cities, which have suffered substantial damage. According to the provincial head of the Disaster Management Committee, a number of villages were completely destroyed, with some villages suffering between 30-100% damage.

3. The population in Lorestan province is higher than usual as a number of Iranians are currently traveling in celebration of Nowruz and other religious holidays.

II. NATIONAL RESPONSE

4. The Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has not requested international assistance.

5. The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have dispatched a team of experts to the affected area. The Government has also mobilized military components to aid in search and rescue operations and emergency response needs.

6. The Iranian Red Crescent Society is working in the affected areas and has begun with the distribution of relief aid. According to provincial authorities, the most urgent needs include blankets, tents, heaters medical and food supplies.

III. INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE

7. Under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, the UN Disaster Management Team held an emergency meeting today. A joint Rapid Assessment Team, comprising representatives of UNICEF, WHO and UNDP, will depart from Tehran to Boroujerd on 1 April. The team will be assessing the damage caused and will inform the UN Country Team whether further assistance is required from the United Nations. A second meeting of the UNDMT will be held on 1 April.

8. OCHA is in close contact with the UN Resident Coordinator and the OCHA Liaison Office in Tehran, and will revert with further information when available.

9. This situation report, together with further information on other ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

MAP: Iran: Earthquake - Situation map

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Ms. Afia Ali Blasco/Mr. Alfred Nabeta
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1173/2732

Press contact:

(GVA) - Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(N.Y.) - Ms. Stephanie Bunker, direct Tel. +1-917 367 5126