World Vision readies for action in Iran

World Vision readies for action in Iran

World Vision is readying to mount a major relief response following a massive earthquake in south-eastern Iran.

The agency is preparing to send relief items such as medicines, hygiene kits and water purification materials to the disaster zone from its warehouses in Brindisi, Italy.

World Vision Middle East relief director Ton van Zutphen is on standby to fly to Bam, close to the epicentre of the quake, to direct operations and is currently negotiating with Iranian relief agencies to mount a co-ordinated response.

"We are ready to bring in our expertise and goods to respond to the many needs of adults and children, who are so heavily affected by this quake," he said.

Bam was heavily damaged in the quake which registered 6.3 on the Richter scale.

Some preliminary estimates suggest the death toll may be as high as 20,000.

World Vision is appealing for donations to fund relief operations. Phone: 0800 80 2000.

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