RNA – In an interview with Rasa News Agency, Ayatollah Hasan Mamdouhi, a member of the Society of Seminary Teachers of Qom, offered his condolences on the loss of lives in the earthquake in Iran’s western province of Kermanshah on Sunday night and called for the authorities to provide relief and special attention to the victims of this tragedy.
Referring to the situation and the process of relief to the victims of the earthquake, the former representative of the people of Kermanshah in the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership added, “So far, the authorities and machinery have been in action and are working to help the injured, but this process has to continue and they must not leave the people who were affected by the earthquake.”
Ayatollah Mamdouhi said that, fortunately, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the government, the people and other institutions of the country have come to the forefront and added, “The people are facing a difficult situation and the government and the authorities must take actions and make efforts to repair the losses and damage which have befallen the people which can be a balm for their broken hearts.”
“Tents, food, medicine and the other necessities of the people affected by the earthquake must be provided and the government and the authorities must continue to carry out relief efforts and take the necessary measures to compensate for the damage caused by the earthquake,” the Iranian cleric added.
Referring to the presence of seminary students to help the injured, Ayatollah Mamdouhi said, “If the students are present at the same time as the injured, it is beneficial work and can be a source of encouragement for the people. The seminary students can resolve the people’s spiritual needs and they can also play a role in other areas.”
A powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the border region between Iran and Iraq on Sunday, November 12.
The epicentre of the quake, which occurred at around 09:18 pm local time was 32 kilometres south of the Iraqi city of Halabjah, in Iraqi Kurdistan, and just across the border from Iran but the highest casualties occurred in the town of Sarpol-e Zahab, in Iran’s Kermanshah Province.
According to the latest figures, nearly 445 people have lost their lives and over 7,156 others sustained injuries in the tremor. Some 12,000 homes have also been completely destroyed in the incident.
Iranian aid institutions and relief workers have been working round the clock to attend to the injured and provide the survivors with their basic needs.