Iran-Quake: Kiwi Response Overwhelms World Vision

World Vision overwhelmed by Kiwi response to Iran quake

World Vision New Zealand will commit an initial $NZ50,000 towards earthquake relief operations in Iran after its appeal line was flooded with callers yesterday.

World Vision New Zealand executive director Helen Green said the response was so strong on the very first day of its public appeal that the agency was confident it would be able to commit even more funds, and hoped to quickly match the $200,000 pledged by the New Zealand government.

"The scale of this disaster has touched people in an extraordinary way. The stories of personal grief and loss has shaken us all," she said.

"Something like this gives us an opportunity to share our deep concern and build bridges."

Mrs Green said World Vision was in a strong position to render assistance in Iran, having formed strong bonds with local aid agencies during the Afghanistan crisis when many refugees fled to Iran.

"This gives us the opportunity to support and build on the work of those agencies so we can mount a coordinated response," she said.

She said it was now critical that a major effort be mounted to minimise further suffering.

World Vision has stockpiles of emergency supplies in Brindisi, Italy ready to be flown to the disaster zone. Currently the agency's representatives are in Tehran clarifying with local authorities the most immediate needs. The first airlift of relief supplies is expected to take place early this week. The first plane is likely to carry blankets, plastic sheeting and water containers. World Vision is also ready to airlift food, water purification units, electricity generators and medicines.

World Vision appeal line for Iran: 0800 80 2000

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