MCC responds to Iran earthquake

Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) responded to the Dec. 26 earthquake in Bam, Iran by making plans to send 50,000 blankets to the devastated region. An additional 18,000 blankets are needed, as well as donations for other relief supplies and reconstruction work for the region.

The quake that leveled the historic Iranian city of 80,000 and surrounding areas killed an estimated 30,000 people. Another 40–100 thousand have been left homeless, according to news reports.

While the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) reported early January that they had sufficient relief supplies for the moment, items are badly needed to renew IRCS supplies and allow the organization to continue responding in this earthquake-prone area. The IRCS is the leading Iranian disaster response organization and MCC has worked with them since 1990.

“They have a real need at the moment for restocking their supplies,” said Ed Martin, director of MCC Central and South Asia program. “During the past 13 years MCC has assisted the IRCS in maintaining its disaster preparedness program by providing relief supplies and funding.”

Those wishing to donate blankets should provide new winter-weight, twin blankets and include a suggested donation of $26.14 Cdn. for shipping and ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts. MCC expected to ship the 50,000 blankets already in stock within the first weeks of January.

“This underscores the importance of having blankets in stock,” said Kevin King, MCC material resources manager. “Blankets collected above the number needed for Iran will restock MCC’s supply.”

In Canada, MCC B.C. responded immediately by packing two 40-foot containers of blankets for Iranian relief in their Abbotsford warehouse Jan. 8–9. More than 950 bales of blankets donated by people were ready to go.

The blankets were the first step in MCC’s response to the earthquake, which will include intermediate and long-term efforts. MCC will provide funds for other relief items, including milk powder. MCC staff will be working with IRCS on reconstruction priorities, likely in the area of health or education.

MCC began work in Iran following the June 1990 earthquake that killed more than 30,000 people in the areas of Gilan and Zanjan. At the time, MCC assisted in reconstructing village health clinics and replenishing IRCS emergency preparedness warehouses.

To make a donation in Canada, call (888) 622-6337. For drop-off locations for blankets, contact the nearest MCC office or check at MCC Respond Now Kits.

—MCC releases