World Vision NZ Raises $400,000 For Bam, Iran

With New Zealand donations to World Vision's Bam earthquake appeal topping $400,000, the aid agency moves into its second phase of aid to the shattered city.

New Zealander James Addis reports from Bam: "The first phase of emergency relief was distributing tents, blankets and family survival kits, and we've distributed 80 tonnes of relief items. We're continuing with that, as there are still families without tents. Food and medicine are not a first priority for us, as thankfully the Iran authorities and the World Food Programme are covering that," he says. However, as WFP's largest distribution partner, World Vision may become involved in food monitoring and distribution over the next few weeks.

"We're now moving into the reconstruction/rehabilitation phase of emergency work," says James Addis. "We've purchased tools locally (shovels, pickaxes and wheelbarrows), and these will be distributed to approximately 50 selected families, to clean up their compounds and start preparations for rebuilding their houses."

Mr Addis says the most urgent need, after shelter, is the construction of toilets, and World Vision has hired an Iranian construction engineer, and has started on a sanitation project, initially to build 2000 latrines.

"Our projects manager has done a sanitation assessment and she's concerned that unless we act quickly there'll be a a serious outbreak of disease," he says.

Priorities after sanitation for World Vision are rebuilding health clinics and schools, so children can start school again as soon as possible.

"Bam has been completely destroyed," says Mr Addis, "It has no infrastructure left; no administration of schools or local government, no electricity, running water, sewage system or shops. The people are really having to start from scratch, and they need all the help we can give them."

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