MEDIA RELEASE
Released By:
Downer
Australia extends its sympathy to the people of Iran following a powerful
earthquake that hit Kerman Province (750 km south east of Tehran) yesterday
morning.
Initial reports indicate that the earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter
scale may have killed up to 500 people and injured thousands more with a number
of villages completely destroyed.
The Government of Iran has not requested international assistance, however
Australia stands ready to provide humanitarian relief to people in the affected
areas.
National authorities in Iran are currently handling relief assistance and
rescue operations and conducting assessments to ascertain the extent of damage
and the level of need among the affected population.
The Iranian Red Crescent Society has mobilised 50 relief and rescue teams
comprising 1500 volunteers to search for survivors amid the rubble.
Heavy snowfall is making access to affected areas difficult.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA) is in direct contact with the Director General of the Natural Disaster
Task Force within the Ministry of Interior, as well as the Director General of
Rescue Operations in the Iranian Red Crescent.
Australian aid officials are monitoring regular reports from OCHA.
Media inquiries:
Chris Kenny (Mr Downer's Office) 0419 206 890
AusAID Public Affairs 0417 680 590