The Zakat Foundation of America

Iranian earthquake victim

Bam, the ancient city of Iran, was built of mud brick and stone; the city stood for over 2,000 years and was decimated in an earthquake on December 26, 2003.

In a city of nearly 200,000 people there were roughly 30,000 deaths, double that number in injuries and almost total homelessness. In addition to housing destruction, irrigation canals were collapsed and threatened to cut off much needed agriculture. Medical care had to be brought in from outside the city and the long journey to reach the city resulted in medical complications for simple injuries.

Immediately after the quake, Zakat Foundation joined forces with others under the supervision of Iranian Red Crescent to provide aid. Food, water, sanitation supplies and shelter were all immediate needs that we were able to provide. By the end of our service time in Bam, over 15 tons of food had been distributed and the survivors were able to persevere through the most severe days in the aftermath of this disaster.