Kiwis Raise $50,000 For Bam Earthquake Appeal

Kiwis respond to Bam earthquake appeal

New Zealanders have so far given $50,000 to World Vision's Earthquake Appeal for victims of the Bam earthquake in Iran.

"We're very pleased and grateful for this response," says World Vision New Zealand Executive Director, Helen Green, "It demonstrates New Zealanders' generous spirit to those who are suffering, and this money is desperately needed as we now move into the next phase of providing food, clean water, shelter, heating, blankets and medical equipment to the tens of thousands who are now homeless."

World Vision NZ's press officer, James Addis flew out of Dubai early this morning on a cargo plane and is due to arrive in Bam about now. The plane contains winter tents, family hygiene packs, thousands of blankets, and kerosene lanterns and stoves. An earlier plane load from World Vision's relief warehouse in Brindisi, Italy, carried thousands of blankets, water containers and tarpaulins.

World Vision's team leader in Bam, Ton van Zutphen, says that despite tough conditions, a complete breakdown of the infrastructure and the isolation of Bam, the humanitarian response is developing into an effective one.

''The first three to four days were hard, but most people have been reached with some kind of assistance. Most materials have arrived now and now full distribution can continue. The population is reacting positively and the support of 20,000 local volunteers from across Iran has been impressive."

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