Southeastern Iran hit by strong Earthquake

Members of the global alliance Action by Churches Together (ACT) International are preparing their responses.

The member closest to the affected area, the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), has consulted with its partners in Iran, and following an assessment of the situation, the MECC has been asked to help with tents, blankets and medical supplies. The MECC has sent its representative and two church members to the area. The MECC will respond through the Iranian Red Crescent and its member churches in Iran.

Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is attempting to secure funding to send 400 large family tents, suitable for winter weather, along with stoves that it had stored in Jordan. NCA is in contact with the Norwegian Red Cross, which has the responsibility on behalf of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Federation to assist the Iranian Red Crescent in its response. NCA has offered to cooperate and help with water and sanitation assessment, purification and repair. NCA has staff and equipment that it can send on very short notice.

Diakonie Emergency Aid has authorized the procurement of blankets, food rations, medicine and water tanks, and it is exploring the acquisition of tents.

The ACT Coordinating Office is preparing Rapid Response funds for the MECC to assist it in its efforts. As more information on the response of ACT members becomes available, including a possible Appeal from the MECC, it will be distributed to the alliance.

Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jessie Kgoroeadira, ACT Finance Officer (jkg@act-intl.org). Thank you.