December 26, 2003
The earthquake in Iran.
It's caused caused a staggering amount of death and damage, including the near-destruction of the city of Bam. AFP reports that 20,000 people were killed and 50,000 injured.
President Mohammad Khatami declared the earthquake a "national disaster which requires collective collaboration and cooperation of all executive and military organizations to mobilize all their facilities to help the victims."
More than 90 percent of the old city, one of the wonders of Iran's cultural heritage, was destroyed. Besides the flattened homes, the 2,000-year-old citadel, once the largest mud-brick structure in the world, was gone forever.
We're pleasantly surprised to see that the US has already offered aid, following the lead of Russia, Gemany, France, and China.
More: Donations are urgently needed to support the huge humanitarian effort required to assist the thousands of people whose lives were shattered by the earthquake. Pedram at the eyeranian suggests sending a donation to Mercy Corps. Al-Muhajabah at veiled4allah suggests a donation to Islamic Relief.
Posted by Magpie at December 26, 2003 10:07 PM | TrackBack