A series of earthquakes that hit north-west Iran on 10 August left hundreds dead and thousands homeless. Early estimates suggested that approximately 227 people were killed, 2,000 injured and many more may still be trapped in the rubble. A total of 100 villages in the region have been affected.

Both quakes, measuring magnitude 6 on the Richter scale, occurred within just a few minutes of each other. The US Geological Survey reported that there were at least 40 aftershocks following the initial earthquakes yesterday afternoon. The epicentre is believed to be near the towns of Haris and Varzeghan in East Azerbaijan province.

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has been in contact with the Iranian Red Crescent and offered to provide humanitarian aid. The SRC will continue to monitor the situation. At this stage, the SRC is not launching a public appeal but will continue to accept walk-in donations for ongoing relief efforts by the Iranian Red Crescent Society.

Donations can be made via the following channels:

i)        Cheque donations can be made to ‘Singapore Red Cross Society’ and sent to the Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486. Please include your name, contact details and “Iran Earthquake 2012” at the back of the cheque.

ii)       Walk-in donations can be made at the Red Cross House at 15 Penang Lane (near Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station) during its office hours, Mondays to Fridays from 9am to 6pm.

As the funds collected are for international relief, donations will not qualify for tax deduction. The SRC requests that that no in-kind donations are made due to logistical considerations.