In the earthquake-ravaged city of Bam in Iran, ongoing relief efforts continue 13 days following the disaster. More than 30,000 people were killed when a 6.6 magnitude earthquake rocked the city on December 26. The disaster leveled most of the ancient city and destroyed almost 70 percent of homes in Bam.
Today, thousands of people are still in need of water, food, and shelter. Almost 200,000 people lived in or near Bam. People are in need of medical supplies and personal hygiene items as thousands struggle to live.
With support from Episcopal Relief and Development, Church World Service distributed materials for temporary shelter, as well as medicines and health and personal care items to earthquake survivors.
According to the Middle East Council of Churches Assessment Team who visited the city January 3-6, Iranians are also in need of post-crisis assistance to help rebuild infrastructure such as hospitals and housing. The team oversaw the delivery of canned meat and cooking oil. Tents will be delivered to the city this weekend.
Episcopal Relief and Development will continue to assess critical needs on the ground through our partner agencies.
ERD is accepting donations for the Iran Earthquake Fund. Make a contribution using a credit card online at http://www.er-d.org/ or by calling (800) 334-7626, ext. 5129. Gifts can be mailed to: Episcopal Relief and Development, P.O. Box. 12043, Newark, NJ 07101.
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