More must be done to aid earthquake victims, says Iran's Supreme Leader
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – In a surprise visit to quake-hit areas of Kermanshah on Monday, Iran’s Supreme Leader commiserated with victims and said the priority is to provide housing for those made homeless by last week’s deadly earthquake.
He praised relief efforts, led by the army and Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), but said not enough was being done.
Military and civilian organizations should act quickly so that people can see progress as aid is delivered to all areas, he stressed. Villages that have been totally destroyed “are of critical importance,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting of local officials, according to his website.
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Iran-Kurdistan Region border on September 12, killing 436 and injuring over 7,800 in Iran’s largely Kurdish Kermanshah province, according to figures from the Iranian Red Crescent. Over 650 aftershocks have continued to shake the area over the past week.
Over 15,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged, according to official figures.
“I share the grief of every single heart here,” Khamenei told a crowd in Sarpol-e Zahab.
Many Kurds have criticized Iranian authorities for their earthquake response – saying aid has been slow or non-existent – and taken to the streets in rare protests.
A government construction project of low-income housing has also drawn ire. The poorly built apartments suffered more damage than other buildings, contributing significantly to the high death toll.
Volunteers from neighbouring towns and provinces have collected donations and delivered emergency food and clothing to the quake-hit areas.
IRGC commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari visited Kermanshah province on Sunday and said temporary housing for thousands would be provided soon with the goal of sheltering everyone within two months, Tasnim news reported.
Extra police have also been sent to the province for law enforcement and to serve the people. Some 10,000 police are now present, Tasnim reported, citing a police commander.
He praised relief efforts, led by the army and Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), but said not enough was being done.
Military and civilian organizations should act quickly so that people can see progress as aid is delivered to all areas, he stressed. Villages that have been totally destroyed “are of critical importance,” Ayatollah Khamenei said in a meeting of local officials, according to his website.
A 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the Iran-Kurdistan Region border on September 12, killing 436 and injuring over 7,800 in Iran’s largely Kurdish Kermanshah province, according to figures from the Iranian Red Crescent. Over 650 aftershocks have continued to shake the area over the past week.
Over 15,000 homes have been destroyed or damaged, according to official figures.
“I share the grief of every single heart here,” Khamenei told a crowd in Sarpol-e Zahab.
Many Kurds have criticized Iranian authorities for their earthquake response – saying aid has been slow or non-existent – and taken to the streets in rare protests.
A government construction project of low-income housing has also drawn ire. The poorly built apartments suffered more damage than other buildings, contributing significantly to the high death toll.
Volunteers from neighbouring towns and provinces have collected donations and delivered emergency food and clothing to the quake-hit areas.
IRGC commander Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ali Jafari visited Kermanshah province on Sunday and said temporary housing for thousands would be provided soon with the goal of sheltering everyone within two months, Tasnim news reported.
Extra police have also been sent to the province for law enforcement and to serve the people. Some 10,000 police are now present, Tasnim reported, citing a police commander.