NEWS FROM
LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF

December 27, 2003

In this news release:

1. Iran Earthquake Toll Is Tens Of Thousands: Lutheran World Relief Opens Aid Channels To Survivors, Requests Donations

For more information contact Jonathan Frerichs at (410) 230-2800.

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IRAN EARTHQUAKE TOLL IS TENS OF THOUSANDS: LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF OPENS AID CHANNELS TO SURVIVORS, REQUESTS DONATIONS

Baltimore, December 27, 2003 - Lutheran World Relief has opened channels for aid to survivors of the earthquake in Iran and is requesting donations of cash to facilitate rapid assistance.

Estimates of casualties in the stricken area of southeastern Iran have climbed to 20,000 dead and 30,000 injured, according to the official Iranian news agency IRNA -- numbers that have risen steadily as the extent of the tragedy becomes clearer.

LWR and its church and non-governmental partner organizations in the region are assessing priority needs and have sent staff to the disaster zone. Early requests include medical supplies, tents and bedding.

In the city of Bam, near the epicenter of the earthquake, two-thirds of the buildings were damaged by the 5 a.m. calamity yesterday, with debris that fell on sleeping residents causing heavy casualties.

Local rescue efforts are being reinforced by emergency teams from outside the region. Two hospitals in the city of Bam were reportedly destroyed and some of the wounded are being evacuated by air or taken to other towns on roads crowded with traffic.

LWR is working through the relief arm of long-time partner Middle East Council of Churches to support church efforts in Iran and the Iranian Red Crescent, and with other member agencies in the Action by Churches Together alliance.

Bam, a city of 80,000, is now without water or power. Little information is available about conditions in surrounding villages, where an additional 120,000 people live. Nights bring freezing temperatures in the region.

Various governments are offering assistance including Russia, Germany, Switzerland and the U.S.

As many as 2,000 of the victims were buried without rites in the first day, news reports indicate. The city of Bam, an historic site and trading center on the ancient Silk Road, is a popular tourist destination.

LWR is accepting cash donations to facilitate rapid assistance to people who need warmth, shelter and on-going medical care.