MSF brings support to the populations most affected by the earthquake in Zarand region of Iran

This medical and material assistance will target approximately 3,000 of the most vulnerable people who live in isolated or affected villages. The victims currently live in tents in a very precarious environment.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has sent medical support and materials to the populations worst hit by the earthquake that affected more than 30,000 people in the mountainous region of Zarand, in Iran, last Tuesday, Feb 22.

In collaboration with the Iranian sanitation authorities, an MSF team is working in the health centre of Hotkan, where over a hundred families live. This mountainous village, 45 minutes from the city of Zarand, was located near the earthquake epicenter and up to 95% of the city was destroyed.

An MSF doctor and nurse have given over 50 consultations since last Friday. Another MSF team, also composed of a doctor and nurse, are providing consultations from mobile clinics in other affected towns - such as Babgohar and Sarbagh some 30 minutes away. MSF will also begin to distribute primary needs material for these populations, in collaboration with the Iranian Red Crescent.

This medical and material assistance will target approximately 3,000 of the most vulnerable people who live in isolated or affected villages. The victims currently live in tents in a very precarious environment. The snow and cold in these mountainous regions could exacerbate the health of this frail population, which lost everything in the earthquake.

The two tons of medicines, medical and logistical supplies needed to start up these activities had been expedited from Tehran, Mashhad and Zahedan, where MSF has medical programs for Afghani refugees. Following the earthquake that affected Bam in December 2003, medical and logistical material had been stocked up in these three sites to access quickly in response to future emergencies.