World Federation Newswire 29th December 2003

Inna Lillahi Wainna Ilaihi Rajeon

The entire Khoja Shia Ithna Asheri Muslim Communities is saddened by the massive earthquake that took place in the South East Region of Iran-Kerman Province. The epicentre was in the city of Bam which is 1000 km from Tehran. Bam had an estimated population of 100,000 and it is estimated that 70% of the people of Bam are either dead or injured.

The death toll has been rising dramatically and is currently estimated at 22,000 as scale of the disaster extends to a much wider region than originally envisaged. As many as 50,000 are homeless. The impact of the earthquake is much worse due to most of the houses in this region being made of mud bricks. Initial indications suggest that almost 60% of the buildings in Bam have been destroyed.

The region is made up of many towns and villages which are difficult to access given the infrastructure that has been badly damaged due to the earthquake. In the main centre of Bam all hospitals have been destroyed and all major roads in and out of the region have been badly affected.

The already cold and worsening weather conditions with snow on Sunday afternoon have made it worse to access the region as well as making conditions worse for the homeless survivors. Minimum temperature average 1 C (33 F)

The President of the World Federation, Dr Ahmed Hassam said "Our hearts go out to our brothers and sisters in Bam who have lost their loved ones and all their possessions. The loss of life and property is a great set back for a country that has made great strides in uplifting its people. The World Federation is making an urgent appeal to all to support this effort. We have launched an emergency financial appeal for this and request mumineen to support this cause."

If you have any comments about this newswire, or about the communications at the World Federation, email communications@world-federation.org

29 December 2003
5 Zilqaad 1424

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