(03/15/04) Nearly three months after a deadly earthquake rocked Bam, Iran, and left as many as 45,000 people dead, the city is slowly being restored. A quake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale hit the ancient city on December 26. Almost 70 percent of homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses were destroyed.

Immediately after the earthquake, Episcopal Relief and Development gave Iranians critical supplies such as tents, blankets, water, and medicine. Through the generosity of donors, ERD is able to extend its initial emergency response into a critical rehabilitation initiative.

Episcopal Relief and Development is providing support for long-term recovery efforts in Bam and helping survivors rebuild their lives. In partnership with Church World Service, ERD will build temporary shelter for displaced families and reconstruct schools and health clinics. The program will renew damaged agriculture and repair the city's irrigation system. Affected families will receive psychological and trauma counseling.

ERD is reestablishing health centers in Bam's rural communities to provide services to approximately 5,400 affected people in collaboration with Mercy Corps. The centers will offer health education, vaccines, maternal and child healthcare, and basic disease control. Local health promoters will be hired to work with communities, families, and social service providers, which include caring for the chronically ill.

"The earthquake in Bam is one of the worst natural disasters in modern times. Episcopal Relief and Developing is helping meet immediate needs and contribute toward rehabilitation, so children and families can resume a more normal life," said Mark Spina, ERD Regional Director, Asia and Emergency Response.

ERD remains committed to bringing healing and hope to communities devastated by disasters. You can make a difference after a natural or man-made disaster. To donate using a credit card, click on the donate button on the left or call (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, c/o Disaster Relief Fund, PO Box 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.

Episcopal Relief and Development is an effective, reliable, and vital ministry of the Episcopal Church in communities around the world. Episcopal Relief and Development provides emergency assistance in times of disaster, rebuilds devastated communities after the immediate crisis is over, and offers long-term solutions to help people sustain safer, healthier, and more productive lives.

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