 In
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The magnitude of the disaster in Bam is simply astounding
By H. Utanzad
December 27, 2003
The Iranian
The scenes of the devastation are absolutely astonishing. The
historic city of Bam lies in ruin. Judging by the widespread
destruction evident in the footage of the affected area, practically
the entire city has been demolished.
No one can be certain about
the exact number of the casualties, but so far, around 7,000
of the injured have been air lifted to various hospitals in the
surrounding areas not affected by the quake. Countless are dead,
with unknown
numbers remaining trapped under the rubble. Thousands are dazed
and homeless. Entire families have been decimated. Although, there was an immediate effort to mobilize
the full spectrum of the resources needed to provide relief for
the quake victims,
the structural impediments are simply overwhelming.
One can't
be clear about whether or not the roads leading to the city have
been completely cleared. There was an instant
rush by the grieving relatives from the surrounding areas toward
Bam, thus contributing to congestion on the road
which remains the lifelines for the victims.
Since early Friday, choppers and airplanes have
been flying non-stop to and fro the Bam Airport, which was cleared
quickly with expanded
capabilities to directly receive the much needed international
relief supplies, but I am not convinced the Iranian air force possesses
the needed capabilities to deliver all the heavy machinery and
the needed engineering equipment used in the search for those
still trapped. Thus, the roads remain the vital supply route
and a crucial nexus in the relief operations.
The German and Italian rescue teams with trained
dogs have been active since early this morning. Numerous medical
teams have
been assembled and either dispatched, or are in the process
of being sent, to the affected area.
About 30 centers have been established in Tehran
to collect material support for the victims. Numerous other centers
have been operational
all over Iran. There is no indication that the vast network of
mosques has so far been mobilized to participate in the relief
efforts.
The country is in dire need of blood -- especially
the negative blood type. Due to the successful completion of the
recent measles
inoculation campaign affecting 34 million between the ages of 5-25,
the donor pool has been reduced. Additionally, Tehran alone possesses
the ability to process no more than a thousand donors per day.
Bam itself has been divided into 3 districts comprised
of 21 distinct sectors to more effectively organize the relief
operations. But
make no mistakes. The magnitude of this disaster is simply astounding. The
inevitable confusion and disorganization is bound to have hampered
the operations. The victims need immediate supplies of tents,
blankets, water, canned food and warm clothing.
I
do not know whether expatriate "freedom warriors" are still busy
plotting liberation for the long suffering people of Iran
in that ancient American bastion of freedom -- the casinos
of Las Vegas -- but the victims here need all the support anyone
is able to provide.
Don't let the traditional paralyzing Iranian outlook
disturb the aid effort. All forms of your contribution is needed
here.
Understand that inefficiency and corruption are the inevitable
part of all global relief efforts -- more or less. Do what
you can -- every little bit helps.
Send financial support through whatever institution
you feel comfortable with [Earthquake
relief fund]. The Account set aside in the Bank-e
Melli for monetary donations
in foreign currency is 200237.
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