Irish disaster relief experts to assess devastation

BAM EARTHQUAKE: Two experts in disaster relief will leave Ireland to fly to Iran tomorrow to assess the devastation around Bam city in the aftermath of the earthquake there.

Mr John Kilkenny and Mr Ross O'Sullivan, both with Concern, will travel to the ancient city in the south-east of the country to assess the impact of the quake and decide how the charity's efforts would be best directed.

Both Mr Kilkenny and Mr O'Sullivan are highly experienced in disaster relief, the former having worked earlier this year in Iraq. Mr O'Sullivan recently worked for a year in Afghanistan during the US invasion of that country.

The Irish Red Cross estimates up to 400,000 people will need immediate assistance.

Mr Tom Arnold, CEO of Concern, said the quake had been a "disaster of major proportions".

"We have been talking with the Iranian embassy and the impression we have is that the Iranians have good co-ordination and a good handle on the situation. We want to make sure we are spending the money sensibly there and have committed €200,000 to help.

"In the short term, the strong need seems to be for blankets, shelter and medicines."

As temperatures drop below zero, there is an urgent need for tents, kerosene-powered heaters, and plastic sheeting/tarpaulin to provide shelter, he said.

The Irish Government has pledged €1 million, while Trócaire has committed €20,000 towards the aid effort.

The Irish Red Cross estimates 200,000 people will need help for at least the next six months.

The chairman of the Irish Red Cross, Mr David Andrews, said there were two pertinent issues.

"The first is the 25,000 people dead. There are many hundreds of thousands dislodged from their homes and many thousands of people injured.

"The second part of the equation is that the International Federation of the Red Cross is seeking €10 million to assist immediately."

At the Iranian embassy in Dublin yesterday the first secretary, Mr Amir Miri, said his offices had been overwhelmed with calls of support from members of the public.

"We have had many, many calls expressing sympathy and asking where they can send money. They are asking for bank account numbers."

He said he had no idea how much money had been donated as he would not have access to bank account details until this morning.

He said his staff were in constant contact with events through communications with his government in Tehran as well as through satellite television channels broadcast from Iran.

"Everyone is devastated," he said.

Though no-one in the embassy had family or friends living in the Bam region, he said, "they who have been lost were all our compatriots".

The embassy has issued an appeal for medical equipment and medicines.

It has also issued two bank account numbers to which people can donate towards the disaster fund.

These are at Bank of Ireland in Blackrock, account number 68481516, and the Iran Melia Bank in Tehran, account number 702070.

To make a donation to Concern's Bam Iran emergency appeal log on to www.concern.net or call 1850 410510.

Contributions to the Irish Red Cross can be made on 1850 507070, or online at www.redcross.ie, or by post to the Irish Red Cross Iran Appeal, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2.

Trócaire donations can be made online at www.trocaire.org.