Iran Quake: New Zealand Funds Help In Big Clean Up

World Vision New Zealand has now raised over $500,000 through the Bam Earthquake Appeal, which is helping with the rebuilding of the shattered city.

World Vision has just begun a pilot distribution of hand tools to help quake victims clear away rubble and begin preliminary reconstruction of their homes.

The distribution was made in association with the Iranian Red Crescent who supplied staff and vehicles to facilitate the smooth delivery of supplies.

Staff distributed 50 kits of tools in District 3, the main focus of World Vision's relief activities. Kits contained a shovel, pickaxe, cement trowel, hammer and gloves.

The distribution targeted vulnerable familes ? in particular female headed households and those without access to latrines. It's anticipated families will use the tools to build latrines.

World Vision programme officer Mia Marina who supervised the distribution praised Red Crescent staff for their diligence in finding the most deserving families to benefit from the tools.

13 year old Sasan Nadery was one of the first to receive a kit. Although he was trapped in rubble of his former home for three hours following the quake, he said he was keen to re-enter his wrecked house to recover his family's possessions.

"I want to dig out the kitchen to get some pots and pans, we need them to eat properly. Eating is the foundation of life," he said.

Many other beneficiaries echoed Sasan's concern to recover eating and cooking utensils. Although hot meals are being delivered to quake victims from central kitchens in Bam, it's feared contamination of the food may render large sections of the weakened populace vulnerable to sickness.

WHO representatives in Iran are pressing for families to prepare their own meals as soon as practicable.

World Vision relief manager Paul Sitnam said the success of the pilot distribution, gave the agency confidence to procure more tools. He expected World Vision would procure hundreds more kits by the end of the week.

Donations may be made on 0800 80 2000 or through the website:
http://www.worldvision.org.nz

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