18.08.2012 - Press release
40 Tonnes of Relief Supplies sent to Iran

On Saturday, Swiss Humanitarian Aid dispatched 40 tonnes of emergency relief materials to the earthquake region in north-western Iran. Among other items, the air shipment comprised 200 tents, 200 tent insulation accessories, 200 heaters, 2000 blankets, and basic medical supplies calculated to serve the needs of 10,000 persons for a three month period. The air freight shipment was expected to land on Saturday evening in Tabriz.

Two logistics experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) are accompanying the shipment of humanitarian goods representing a total value of around CHF 500,000. The relief materials will provide 1000 persons with shelter for the rapidly approaching winter period. This is of crucial importance as in the earthquake region, temperatures can already sink below the freezing point by next month.

The four-man Rapid Response Team that left for Tabriz on 16 August to prepare for the delivery of the relief supplies, began their work on 17 August. The four experts immediately held discussions with representatives of the Iranian Red Crescent, the Organization responsible for coordinating measures to respond to the crisis. They then went to visit a severely damaged village located at the epicentre of the earthquake. The four experts are also on site to receive the delivery of relief materials from Switzerland, to ensure their transmission to the Red Crescent, and to provide advice and assistance in the use of the materials, primarily, in the setting up of the tents.

Some 300 individuals perished in the earthquake that hit the region of Tabriz on 11 August. Approximately 5000 persons were wounded and tens of thousands lost their homes.

The Swiss Rapid Response Team instructs volunteers on how to set up the tents in the compound of the Iranian Red Crescent in Tabriz, Iran. [© SDC]