wfn.org | Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Responds to Iran Quake

[PCUSA.NEWS@pcusa.org]

02-June-1997 
97224                             
 
         Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Responds to Iran Quake 
 
                          by Susan Ryan 
                 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance 
 
LOUISVILLE, Ky.--In an instant, the mountains moved and the landscape was 
forever changed.  In the Birjand district of Iran 70 percent of the 
villages were completely destroyed in the recent earthquake, leaving 4,000 
dead, 6,000 injured and 50,000 homeless.  And still the toll is mounting.  
 
     On May 14 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance wired $20,000 to the Middle 
East Council of Churches as our first response to this great tragedy.  In a 
time of such overwhelming need with outside governments providing little 
assistance, the Red Crescent has turned to Christians for help.  
 
     MECC will be targeting its assistance to 10,000 displaced and homeless 
individuals.  Priorities will be large families with children, those with 
no alternatives for shelter and those who have not benefited from other 
assistance. Their Tehran office is currently making purchases of essential 
supplies on the local market.   
 
     Relief dollars go very far in a crisis such as this, as there is an 
absence of outside agencies assisting.  Generally the arrival of hundreds 
of outsiders creates an inflationary spiral that feeds off the relief 
response.  The closed nature of Iran means that high cooperation, 
coordination and value for dollar will characterize this response. 
 
     For instance, $15 will provide food, a blanket, clothes, kitchen kit 
and soap to an individual. Those wishing to contribute may send donations 
through local church channels or directly to Presbyterian Disaster 
Assistance in Louisville: Iran Earthquake Relief, Account #9-2000077. 

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