Iranian Red Crescent Society Helps Quake Victims

Iran has experienced at least a thousand aftershocks.

Photo: Press TV

(TEHRAN Press TV) - On Sunday August 12th a 6.4 Richter scale earthquake occurred in the city of Ahar. Within minutes another earthquake measuring 6.3 on Richter scale pccurred in Varzeghan. The quakes left over 300 people dead and over 4,000 injured in East Azerbaijan province, located in Iran’s north west. The Iranian Red Crescent Society has held a press conference discussing relief efforts for these victims.

The first day of the earthquakes 1,161 rescuers throughout Iran went to assist the victims in quake-hit regions.

The twin quakes damaged 276 villages in the area, with 46 villages being totally destroyed. So far Iranians have donated over three million dollars for helping victims. They’ve also sent 500 tons of food, medicine, clothing and other supplies. Experts say the main concern right now for these quake victims are the cold weather and rainfalls in East Azerbaijan province.

The region has already had 1,000 aftershocks ranging in 150 kilometers in diameter. The latest occurred 9:18 am local time on August 21st measuring 3.6 on the Richter scale.