Search and rescue operations in the southeastern Iranian city of
Bam continue following the December 26 earthquake there, while a number
of countries are sending funds, expertise, personnel and basic shelter
supplies to Iran. Members of the global alliance Action by Churches
Together (ACT) International are among the international humanitarian
organizations that are responding to the urgent needs of survivors
in and around Bam.
The Middle East Council of Churches (MECC) reports that the two staff
of MECC member churches that it dispatched to the area met with Iranian
government officials and representatives of the Iran Red Crescent.
The MECC representatives reported on the basic and urgent needs -
items that can be purchased from Tehran and transported to the disaster
area: tents, water tanks, blankets and medicine. The MECC is requesting
US$98 000 to purchase these items and is sending a representative
to Tehran to begin this purchase. DanChurchAid has pledged $20 000
that will be sent directly to the MECC. Likewise, Church World Service
(CWS) has pledged $30 000 for this purpose. CWS is also considering
an emergency material airlift of shelter and hygiene materials.
In addition, the ACT Coordinating Office is preparing US$50 000 in
Rapid Response Funds for the MECC. ACT staff is in conversation with
the MECC about mobilizing additional staff who would oversee planning
and execution of assessments, logistics and delivery of materials.
Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is shipping 400 tents, suitable for winter
weather and that can accommodate 3000 to 4000 people, to the area.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has granted 3.5 million
NOK to cover the cost of tents and transport from storage in Amman,
Jordan. NCA will also assist with water and sanitation needs and has
sent a staff person to work in this area with the Red Cross/Red Crescent
Federation in an initial assessment.
NCA has an initial budget of approximately US$400 000 for emergency
water equipment and assistance that it can activate immediately if
it can secure funding from the ACT alliance. Four engineers are prepared
to leave on short notice if needed. NCA will coordinate all of its
assistance with the Iran Red Crescent and the United Nations Office
for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Leila Dzaferovic, ACT Appeals Officer for Europe, Middle East and
Central Asia, is now coordinating the ACT response. She can be reached
at 41 79 757 92 06 (mobile) or Leila.Dzaferovic@act-intl.org.
Please note that any funding indication or pledge should also be communicated
to her. Thank you.
