Children among the most vulnerable after Lorestan earthquakes
A series of earthquakes measuring between 4.7 and 5.7 on the Richter scale struck Lorestan province in western Iran during the night and morning of 30 and 31 March. Thanks to quick public reaction to the early tremors, the numbers of dead and injured remained relatively low. The earthquakes were devastating nonetheless, disrupting the lives of more than 221,000 people and causing the widespread destruction of thousands of buildings. A total of 130 schools in the worst affected areas were completely destroyed. Many others were damaged beyond repair or are considered unsafe to use. Mehdi’s father Ahmad encourages the seven-year-old to study for a few hours each day. Maintaining this kind of regular routine is extremely important for children in crisis situations, as it helps relieve some of the stress and trauma they feel. Although the Yarahmadi family salvaged many of their belongings, their house is badly damaged and not safe to return to. “I lost my two cows, which were feeding us,” Ahmad said. “I don’t know how I will rebuild my house. I don’t have any money or income to pay for that.”
The response of the Government and Iranian Red Crescent was swift, with tents, blankets and other supplies being moved to the region and distributed almost immediately. UNICEF added to this effort with 10,000 blankets and nearly 300 tents, the first international aid to reach some of the most affected villages. Additional supplies, including children’s clothes, blankets, dolls and tents that can act as temporary schools were released by officials in Bam, where they had been donated by UNICEF following the 2003 earthquake. UNICEF’s actions are part of a coordinated United Nations effort led by the Resident Coordinator and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Residents of Lorestan will continue to need considerable help from the government in the reconstruction effort. “Families are sleeping in tents, in their cars and in makeshift shelters wherever they can,” said Christian Salazar Volkmann, UNICEF’s Representative in Iran, who arrived in the region within days. He described the scene in the city of Boroujerd, where tents could be seen in road medians, parks, sidewalks and every other open area. Given extremely cold night time temperatures, there is concern that this situation leaves children vulnerable to illness and takes a strong psychological toll. An expert team consisting of two UNICEF child protection staff, an education officer and a staff member from UNESCO arrived on the scene today to assess the damage to educational facilities and the psychological situation of children. Based on the findings of this team, a plan of action will be decided on with appropriate counterparts. The State Welfare Organization has already agreed with UNICEF to establish 35 rural child care centres in the most affected villages. This, along with appropriate educational and psychosocial actions, will assist children in overcoming the psychological stress and trauma caused by the earthquake.
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