Can you imagine surviving an earthquake that leveled a city in only 13 seconds?

One of Iran’s prominent tourist destinations, the city of Bam, was forever changed on December 26.  A quake measuring 6.6 on the Richter scale, struck a community of 80,000, killing more than 45,000 people.

The disaster leveled most of the ancient city—destroying almost 70 percent of homes, buildings, and hospitals.  Many families in surrounding villages are homeless as well.

Through your generosity, Episcopal Relief and Development immediately responded to people suffering in Bam and neighboring communities. Partnering with the Middle East Council of Churches and Church World Service, we provided emergency water, temporary shelter, medicine, and personal care items to people suffering.

In early January, an assessment team traveled to Bam to evaluate the post-crisis needs on the ground.  Your contribution made it possible for this team to distribute canned meat, cooking oil, blankets and tents.

"The reconstruction effort here will require a long-term commitment," said Rick Augsburger, Emergency Response Director of Church World Service. "The initial emergency is over, temporary shelter and medical assistance are being provided, but the rehabilitation and the recovery from the trauma will need sustained support.  In a time of need, this disaster provides a real opportunity for solidarity with the people of Bam.” 

Lives forever changed

The earthquake permanently changed lives.  Mariam Jahanabady is a Bam resident who is trying to rebuild after the devastating quake killed her husband.  She and her two daughters, sister and brother are living in a crowded tent, with no jobs, no savings, and no means of support.

Suddenly widowed, Mariam is grieving the loss of her husband and at least eight other relatives.  In addition to worrying about immediate needs, she is concerned about how to send her daughters to school.

Like Mariam, Shamsali Seieady worries about supporting his family. He now sells cigarettes on the street with his brother-in-law, Hasan, to earn money.

Shamsali, 42, takes visitors to his one-time workshop, on the ground floor of a small store which was looted after the earthquake.  The fragments of a life – a stray photograph, report card and receipt # are stuck amid the rubble.

Fortunately, he and other family members were away at a wedding when the earthquake occurred. Now he must find a way to begin life anew.

Ongoing Response Needed

Can you imagine losing everything in less than 15 seconds?

The death toll climbs daily. Of the tens of thousand who died, more than 10,000 children were killed and 2,000 orphaned.  

Thousands of vulnerable people are still in need of water, food, and shelter, but we also need to rebuild infrastructure such as hospitals and housing.

Episcopal Relief and Development remains committed to helping Iranians in Bam. With your assistance, we can help rebuild their lives.  Working with our local partners, we are constructing pre-fabricated homes and schools, repairing water systems, and providing trauma counseling and health care.

You can help families after an emergency

Through your compassionate action, we are helping people such as Mariam and Shamsali suffering in the aftermath of an earthquake.  Your gift today will provide critical food, medicine, and temporary shelter for people in times of crisis!