This snapshot, taken on 03/08/2004, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.
Press ReleaseFrom the Department for International Development30 January 2004 £2 million more in UK aid for survivors of the Iran earthquake Hilary Benn, the Secretary of State for International Development today announced a further £2 million to help support the victims of the earthquake in Iran. This will raise the overall UK contribution to £2.95 million. The disaster killed an estimated 30,000 people, left 75,000 homeless and a further 40,000 living in tents. The money will provide assistance to United Nations agencies, the International Federation of the Red Cross and the non-governmental organisation Action Contre La Faim to carry out humanitarian work over the next 3-6 months. In particular, DFID's funding for the World Health Programme will go toward the immediate restoration and re-equipping of two urban health centres. In Bam, the lack of emergency sanitary facilities, especially latrines, is a potential threat to the health of tent dwellers. We will work with UNICEF to develop and implement the early stages of a sanitation programme in the area. It is estimated that 4,500 cattle have died and there is a risk that up to 70% of this year's harvest could be lost. DFID's contribution to the United Nations Development Programme (working with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation) and Action Contre La Faim will help to repair wells, buy pumps, increase livestock numbers, replace agricultural tools and rehabilitate the irrigation network. Our commitment to the International Federation of the Red Cross will help them to distribute food and provide information on camp management and training and replenish relief stocks. Hilary Benn said, "The UK is committed to helping the people of Iran overcome this appalling tragedy. We are working closely with other organisations on the ground to provide health care, sanitation and the restoration of agricultural livelihoods in the worst affected areas. This contribution will assist in improving the quality of life for the survivors and enable their basic day-to-day needs to be met." Notes to editors 1. Breakdown of DFID's £2 million
contribution: 2. The UK's contribution to date: 3. For further information contact the DFID press office on 020 7023 0600 or pressoffice@dfid.gov.uk Back to TopPress Enquiries: 020 7023 0600
Overseas (+44 20 7023 0600)
|