Press Release

OPEC Fund assists relief efforts in Western Iran with US$500,000 in emergency aid

31/2006 April 3, 2006, Vienna, Austria
Press inquiries:

The OPEC Fund for International Development has approved an emergency grant of US$500,000 to aid relief efforts in Silakhor in the western part of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a region north of Doroud, following three earthquakes which struck the area last week.

The earthquakes with magnitudes of up to 6.0 on the Richter Scale had its epicenter near Boroujerd and Doroud, two industrial cities about 210 miles southwest of Tehran. Initial reports said that at least 66 people have been killed and 1,200 injured. Some 330 villages have been damaged, of which 30 are completely flattened.

Based on the initial information and reports available, the immediate needs are for tents, blankets, medical supplies, bottled water, as well as food. Further needs relating to shelter are expected at a later stage.

Iran is located on seismic fault lines and is prone to earthquakes. On the average, it experiences at least one slight earthquake every day.

The OPEC Fund’s emergency aid will be channeled through the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The proceeds will be used for the provision of essential relief supplies and emergency operations undertaken by the Iranian Red Crescent Society.