Irish Red Cross joins global effort with appeal for Iranians made homeless

THE Irish Red Cross has begun an appeal for the victims of the earthquake in eastern Iran, which has killed at least 4,000 people and injured up to 40,000.

The relief effort is being coordinated through the Iran Red Crescent Society, which says more than 100,000 people are homeless.

"Aid is urgently needed to assist the vulnerable people who have been affected by this natural disaster. The survivors are facing the most difficult months of their lives," said Mr Martin Good, director of the Irish Red Cross.

Worldwide, the Red Cross hopes to raise £6 million.

With rescue work continuing, the numbers of casualties and homeless are expected to rise.

According to Ms Zuhra Falahat of the Iranian Red Crescent, the earthquake happened in a remote area and this has hampered relief operations. At least 30,000 tents, 300,000 blankets and 60,000 items of clothing are needed urgently.

Measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale, the earthquake struck Khorasan province at midday on Saturday, destroying the highly populated areas of Birjand and Qaen.

People who wish to contribute to the appeal can send a donation to the Irish Red Cross Society, 16 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, or the Iran earthquake appeal, Bank of Ireland, account number 90-00-17 16305917 or AIB, account number 93-10-12 33627151. Credit card donations to telephone 01-6765 135.

. The Government should disregard opposition calls for the suspension of financial aid to the Rwandan government, according to the Third World agency, Trocaire. Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats have said all Irish aid to Rwanda should be diverted away from the Rwandan government and channelled instead to non governmental organisations working in the country. They claim Rwandan troops are implicated in massacres of Hutu refugees in eastern Zaire.

But this stance has been rejected by the two main Irish NGOs working in the region, Concern and Trocaire.