Earthquake in Iran

On Saturday, two strong earthquakes, followed by multiple aftershocks struck north-west Iran. 300 people were killed, more than 3000 victims had been injured and 16,000 people were left homeless.

The quakes measured on Richter scales of 6.4 and 6.3, damaging rural villages in Ahar, Varzgahan and Harees, in the city of Tabriz. Some 20 villages in mountainous areas had been completely destroyed whilst hundreds had been damaged.

Search and rescue operations came to a close on Sunday since most residents had been accounted for. Officials confirm that residents of affected areas are small and sparsely populated.

However, aid and shelter is being provided for the homeless staying in make-shift camps. Iran’s Red Crescent has provided a Sport’s stadium with 6,000 tents, distributing tonnes of food, water and medical supplies to thousands of victims.

Hospitals remain overwhelmed, and are struggling to cope with the number of casualties after the quakes.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has offered to assist Iran during the crisis. Other countries around the world also offered assistance, but Iranian President, Mahmoud Ahamdinejad, refused the offers insisting they could cope with the disaster.

The Iranian government have declared two days of mourning in the region.