E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Arash Khamoushi / AP
Hundreds were killed and more than 2,000 were injured in northwest Iran.
The death toll after twin earthquakes struck rural northwest Iran jumped to 306 on Monday -- with most of the victims women and children, local media reported.
Health Minister Marzieh Vahid-Dastjerdi added that 3,037 people were injured in Saturday's temblors, Iran's state-run Press TV reported.
Of the 306 deaths, morgues had counted 219 women and children and 49 men, pan-Arab news channel Al Jazeera reported quoted Vahid Dastjerdi as saying.
The discrepancy between the number of bodies in morgues with the official death toll appeared to stem from the fact that some of those who died during the earthquakes were buried before officials arrived at the scene, according to Al Jazeera.
'People need help': Iran hospitals swamped by earthquake victims
Thousands huddled in makeshift camps or slept in the street after Saturday's temblors for fear of more aftershocks, 60 of which had already struck. A lack of tents and other supplies left them exposed to the night chill, one witness told Reuters.
The worst damage and most casualties appeared to have been in rural villages around the towns of Ahar, Varzaghan and Harees, near the city of Tabriz, Iranian media reported.
Tabriz resident Ahmad, 41, told Reuters his cousin living in a village near Ahar was killed and his body found.
"Nobody knows what happened to his wife and two daughters," aged four and seven, Ahmad said. "We fear that if rescuers don't get to them soon, they will lose their lives too if they're still alive."
But Iranian officials said rescue operations had ended by Sunday afternoon and that all those trapped beneath the rubble had been freed, according to Press TV.
Many villages are hard to reach by road, hindering rescue efforts. Hospitals in Tabriz, Ardabil and other cities nearby took in many of the injured, residents and Iranian media said, and there were long queues of survivors waiting to be treated.
"I wanted to go there last night to help but heard there was bad traffic and that it wasn't safe enough," Ahmad said. "People in those villages need help."
'Toll will rise'
Abbas Falahi, member of parliament for Ahar and Harees, said people in some villages were still "in dire need of food and drinking water," the semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Two larges earthquakes hit the northwestern region of Iran on Saturday, killing at least 180 people and injuring more than 1,300. NBC's Brian Williams reports.
"Despite the promises of officials, little first aid has been distributed in the region and most people are left without tents. If the situation continues, the toll will rise," he said.
The U.S. Geological Survey measured Saturday's first quake at 6.4 magnitude and said it struck 37 miles northeast of Tabriz, a trading hub far from Iran's oil-producing areas and known nuclear facilities.
Stay informed with the latest headlines; sign up for our newsletter
The second, measuring 6.3, struck 11 minutes later near Varzaghan, 30 miles northeast of Tabriz.
More than 1,000 villages in the area were affected by the earthquakes, Ahmad Reza Shaji'i, a Red Crescent official, told the Iranian Students' News Agency (ISNA). Some 130 villages suffered more than 70 percent damage, and 20 villages were completely destroyed, he said.
The government set-up a fund to help affected residents quickly rebuild their homes before winter hit in around four months, Al Jazeera reported. A grant of nearly $1,000 per family was approved, alongside low-interest loans of up to $6,000, it reported.
Reuters contributed to this report
More world stories from NBC News:
- US, Turkey explore no-fly zones over Syria
- Olympic heroes turn tourists as London 2012 end nears
- 'There will be no winner in Syria,' UN chief warns
- Three US special ops troops killed, Afghan officials say
- Body found at home of missing UK girl's grandmother
- Day at Olympics well worth $1,000 for family of four, NJ fans say
- Notorious Colombian druglord arrested, headed to US for trial
Leave a Comment:
What a terrible tragedy not only because so many were women and children, but because this will leave so many families without those who were in essence the heart and soul of their communities. At a time when so much conflict is already bringing suffering.I hope the world will not ignore these people in their time of greatest need.
Women and children (at least female ones) are desposable in Iran, so who cares. All I know is that we're complete fools if we offer them one bit of help.
ED Your sick.
No he's not... They don't deserve anything from us...
While ED McT may have stated the facts without candy coating it, he is correct that women are (unfortunately) nothing in Iran. I am not saying this is right, far from it but that's the way they view women in most of the Middle East.
I agree too that we should not do anything to help. Their leaders want nothing to do with the United States and hate us so let's just stay out of this one. Let Russia or China help them.
Very sad in deed. I wonder, which god did this?
I know our Christian fundamentalists like to blame natural disasters on god, is it the same in Iran? Do they call out Allah when this type of thing happens over there?
You do realize Middle Eastern countries have had like 20-times the amount of women presidents/leaders than the U.S. (which is to say, we've had 0), right?
I'm not saying women aren't treated like second class citizens in Islam, but I do think we should know the facts first.
Our first and most important response to this tragedy is on the humanitarian level. We cannot presume to be a civilized, benevolent player on the world stage if we don't provide care and sustenance to those in their darkest hour of need. Forget politics, gamesmanship and grandstanding by governments, militaries and politicians. Take the moral high ground and help these people.
We rescue their fisherman, why couldn't we at least make a comment and maybe send them some tents and some food.
I agree with Tranquil Nihilist! Regardless of other circumstances, you cannot ignore the citizens. There is no reason we cannot offer some medical aid, water and tents.
No, I don't want $0.01 of my tax money going to these idiots... If you want to send aid do it privately, our gov't shouldn't give them s h i t...
It's unfortunate to see the ignorance of some here about the Iranian people. But I suspect that no matter what anyone says, they would never be able to fathom that they just might be wrong about them. The only way would be for them to travel, legally of course, to Iran. Take a 'road trip,' as they say, through the cities and see the people up close and personal. If the kindness of the Iranian people, and witnessing how especially the younger generation there emulate Western hairstyles and fashion, (to the dismay of the government), didn't change their minds about Iran, nothing will.
Of course even suggesting such a trip may invoke a highly fearful and hate-filled response to those it's suggested to. Fear, hatred, and ignorance all seem to go hand in hand, after all.
Well said Dr. Cat. Finally a response born of reason, wisdom, knowledge and compassion. Most of the comments here are thoughtless gut reactions to the strident, inflammatory propaganda from their government. At the community and village level in Iran you will meet some of the kindest and most educated people on earth.
Having done two extensive road trips through Iran myself (as an American tourist), I completely agree with Dr. Cat.
From what I hear from people who have been on the ground, the majority of Iranians (general public) actually really like the U.S. Moreso than our "allies" like Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
Like anything in this word, the irony is astounding. We are, truly living our lives ass-backwards.
Dr. Cats its not fear mongering to watch a helpless Women on the streets being stoned to death. I do understand their is a culture of Iranians that do not share that belief system however what we see is fact enough...
@kevinoffsite
You do understand that is a very rare thing, just like someone shooting people in a movie theater is a rare thing to happen here in the United States. There are ignorant Iranians, just like there are ignorant Americans, and ignorant people in every country. Ignorance knows no boundaries. The thing to come away from this though, is that the majority of people in every country do not do such things as stoning women, or shooting people. Don't base your entire mindset of a people on what a few do.
Dr. Cat
I agree with you.
But, I also feel we need to be honest about where this behavior comes from ... there's no shortage of: "Surely they shall be put to death"-type language found within the Qur'an and the Bible.
It's great that the majority of Muslims don't take language like that literally (just like the majority of Christian don't). But it is also part of the problem ... the fact that we are not honest about what motivates these individuals. They are not "fanatics" or "terrorists." On the contrary, these are merely people who take their faith seriously. And, if one reads their book, they are in pretty good standing within its messaging.
Maybe Allah is sick of their crap too.
Back to reality.
These things can happen anywhere at anytime.
Speaking of reality I wouldn't give these people a dime regardless of who they are because of what they are.
IndyBearFan88,
I see where you're coming from...but I'm torn on this one.
We're not talking about helping Ahmadinejad (though he will certainly benefit indirectly). We're talking about helping the citizens of another country cope with a natural disaster.
To call Iranians evil because we don't like their government is being far too general, in my opinion. I've been there. I know better.
I'm not thrilled about my tax dollars going to a government with basic beliefs so different from my own, but in some cases, the attitudes and actions of a government don't accurately represent the sentiments of the general populace.
But back to reality. Iran will most likely *not* accept help from us. It's a moot point. But we should offer, if for no other reason than to turn our backs means besmirching our own beliefs.
As I say, I'm torn. But because I'm an American--and human--I'm somewhat grateful for the ability to see both sides.
God loves all people including Iranians. These people are human like any one else. We can't blame their Gov't ideology on innocent women & children. Our Gov't has offered assistance & I hope the Gov't of Iran will accept it. The People of Iran has suffered a terrible tragedy & our prayers are with them
love to send aid but the problem is that iran's gov't will not give the aid to those who need it. we saw it in somlia and other places where the gov't controls everything. sad really...but until there is a way to ensure that the folks on the ground get the aid don't send them anything.
Sickening, too, how right in the middle of a disaster like this - right as the tragedy is unfolding, there's a nation still beatiing the drums of war, saying that we (the U.S.A., naturally) have to go to war against them. They can't even wait until the rubble is cleared before creating more.
Like they gave a crap when katrina hit, their comments were, "we deserved it", back at you! Scum bags
Not back at you. That's what makes us civilized...them not so much!
Iran offered humanitarian aid and 20 million barrels of oil to the USA after Katrina.
(duplicate post)
Iran offers US Katrina oil relief
Speaking on state-run radio, Iran's envoy to OPEC said his country was ready to send up to five shiploads of crude oil to the US.
But he said this could only happen if US sanctions were lifted first.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/4218986.stm
Yup, US law makes it illegal to accept aid from Iran, but they did offer.
Allah is Great! lol
I was there when "the citizens of Iran" stormed the US embassy and took hostages - in Iran where the US is viewed as "the Great Satan", the people became the current leaders - the little monkey Ahmadinejad was one of those students...........my heart does go out to the "innocent" victims, but I think we should offer assistance with Israel and destroy their nuke facilities at the same time....
I was there when "the citizens of Iran" stormed the US embassy and took hostages - in Iran where the US is viewed as "the Great Satan", the people became the current leaders - the little monkey Ahmadinejad was one of those students...........my heart does go out to the "innocent" victims, but I think we should offer assistance with Israel and destroy their nuke facilities at the same time....
I was there when "the citizens of Iran" stormed the US embassy and took hostages - in Iran where the US is viewed as "the Great Satan", the people became the current leaders - the little monkey Ahmadinejad was one of those students...........my heart does go out to the "innocent" victims, but I think we should offer assistance with Israel and destroy their nuke facilities at the same time....
Third time's a charm ..... or not. You're gonna like this posting thing, once you get used to it.
My cousin was part of the hostage rescue mission, and ended up spending six months in a burn unit in Germany after. Ahmadinejad was the student ringleader who took our people hostage. He now leads Iran. My cousin saw him there, and it is a publicly known fact. Although the CIA isn't going to educate the media on it.
Do you mean destroy Isreal's nukes? Great idea.
Would have been the perfect time to take them out along with that little monkey. Good description by the way!
@tnlobo421:
Don't get impatient. Give the "bubblegum" a chance to get "sticky" before repeatedly hitting the post button.
No worries, though. It happens to most of us when we first (I see you're a member since 8-12) hit the vine.
Later, tater.
Peace!
Their husbands were probably in Afghanistan making IED's.
My cousin was part of the hostage rescue mission, and ended up spending six months in a burn unit in Germany after. Ahmadinejad was the student ringleader who took our people hostage. He now leads Iran. My cousin saw him there, and it is a publicly known fact. Although the CIA isn't going to educate the media on it.
Having said that, i've often wondered lately, yes, "why hasn't the media pointed this out ??" I suppose investigative reporting is no longer a media task.
Looks like Katrina all over again
t's not surprising that mostly women and children were involved, since the first quake hit at just before 5:00 pm locally when the men would have been away from the village working. Regardless of what many think about Iranians in general, the general population is mostly involved in subsistence farming and animal raising, which is a full time job. It is just unfortunate that the people of Iran are in a position to not be able to resist the ayatollah's radical religious rule. They are generally intelligent people, although most are misguided by propaganda and lies from their beloved 'supreme leader'.
@Mathuin
"Most are misguided" as you say. Okay, then, most are just as radical as their leaders are, which then would follow that again "most" of these goat herding hillbillys are as just as nuts as he is. Got it.
"Most are misguided" people in Germany in 1941 were Nazi's.
I'd just like to say that a lot of people on here might find it interesting to speak openly and honestly with some Iranians who reside here in America. I've done this, because, I'm related to many by marriage. The fact is, yes, most are Persian muslims, and most pretend to go along with the fundamentalism there in Iran. But, fact is, they aren't much different than us in the major cities, and most would rejoice in seeing the Ayatolah out of power completely along with that psycho Ahmadinejad. But, unfortunatly we do not represent a pillar of trust either. They just want peace as we do, and have the right to be free in their thoughts and religions. As we are.
Women and children comprise most of the victims because they are the ones that are stuck indoors until an earthquake starts. And then they've got to put on a beekeeper suit before they head out the door.
Of COURSE "most" of the victims were women and children. It would be statistically anomalous if most were men! Which begs the question - why go with this particular slant on this particular story? Is it because NBC feels we will not be concerned about Iranians being killed and injured in a quake, but we MIGHT if they push the point that it was mostly women and children?
Since when the media cares about Iran?............Maybe the idea here is to do the same as Haiti. Send the military invasion with the cover of "Humanitarian aid".
I think they're just reporting the news, Al... not every single story needs to have an agenda behind it. Sometimes big things happen, and it would look pretty daft to ignore it because they don't "care" about a country.
Yawn,
Every muslim tragedy has the same stupid storyline. Women and children.
Since when do muslims care about women and children?
Nothing about them reflects that unless they're playing victim.
Do they care about women and children when it comes to carbombs and suicide attacks?
Yea, thats about how much muslims care about women and children.
Finally someone who knows what he's talking about.
Well, so very true. Of course, since the KKK carries Christian crosses, every single lynching, torture and child killing done by them reflects the opinion and character of every single person who claims to be Christian. Like say, Mrs. Warden and Timmer2. Right?
facts are facts
Aren't they though, oh Christian One.
Male doctors are not allowed to treat female patients, and the lack of female doctors will cause the numbers to skew. That's a muslim thing. They'll let little girls burn in a school rather than let them flee the building without their sacks. Sure it's sad, but should we care for their women when they don't? They're just practicing islam the way its inventor (mohamat) told them to.
I'm pretty sure it's Bush's fault tho'.
My wife has had male doctors here in Dubai and my dentist is a woman.
It's not a "Muslim" thing. If that's true, it's an "Iranian" thing. Iran has much stronger religious laws than most majority Muslim nations.
Just like every other religious group on the planet, not all Muslims are the same or have the same legal/cultural practices.
Anyone who thinks we should help them, think about this, "its your tax dollars"!!!!!!!! Then quit your whining about our deficit!!!!!!! Can't have it both ways,!!
Enough - that is more than enough already. There are MANY humanitarian aid groups that can give millions in aid without a single penny of your precious tax dollars - so calm down. The average poor person in Iran has no voice in their government. If we can't give thirsty people water and starving people food than why are we on this planet? To wait for the next i phone to come out?
That's weird. How did there come to be such a discrepency between the adult men and everyone else? With the numbers quoted, the number of adult men killed comes to around 18%. Are there just a lot of kids in the afflicted area, or what?
Iran has a lot of children. Their women stay at home.
oh thank god for a second everyone though it was a real tragedy
This must confirm their retarded views that allah doesn't value women.. I mean if he did he wouldn't have killed so many of them right?
no alli loves women the moon god cant get enough of 9 10 and 11 yr.olds!
You may view them as your enemy but they are still people and they are still suffering.
God's word says if your enemy is thirsty give him a drink, if he is hungry feed him.
I say we should help them if we can.
I am an Iranian canadian and I go back to IRAN almost every year to visit my mom and my relatives.
I want to tell you that most of your comments here are beyond utter ignorance and shows how little most Americans know about outside world.your media think for you indeed.
Go check a few videos on youtube about Iranians and Iran and see what they look like.
Iranians by far are the kindest and most hospitable people of this planet.
Watch "3 minutes trip to tehran" and "persian wedding knife dance" on youtube and then contrast it with your media reports about Iran.
Iranians are more SECULAR than Americans and most of other Nations.they are the very opposite of the islamic regime.this regime is there because Eisonhover administration helped SHAH(King) of Iran destroy Iran democracy in 1953.then jimmy carter undermined Shah and that resulted in Islamist took over of 1979.
Nobody asked for your help. Iran has the second largest oil and natural gas resrves of the world and the brightest people of the planet.just visit your own universities to see how many Iranian professors teach there,or visit NASA to see how many Iranians work there as Directors or Managers.
Remember the mohawk guy in NASA who is the DIRECTOR OF MARS FLIGHT,he is among many of 1.5 million Iranian Americans who live here.
Would you like to visit the most populated Iranian American town in USA,then visit Beverly Hills CA where 30% of people there are Iranian Americans including the mayor.
By the way guess which Nation is the most pro American Nation of the world? it is Iran by far.
The islamic regime in Iran is about to fall soon and then the world will see the true face of Iran not what your media feed you.
Every Iranian I have known personally was decent and kind. The people on the boards are moronic trolls saying whatever has shock value. They know virtually nothing about the history of Iran for the last 80 years. They think of Persians as the monsters in 300.
Agreed, Sirus and Buffaloes. The majority of Americans have absolutely no clue about Iran and/or the Iranian people. I read these comments and I sit back in complete and utter amazement at the ignorance. It's shocking. No wonder America is falling apart at the seams....it's filled with a bunch of dummies. Anyway, to Sirus, I'm so sorry for the Iranian people suffering in this horrible disaster. If I could, I'd be on the next plane tomorrow to help in any way I can. Please accept my most sincere condolences.
It is appalling and sad how ignorant most Americans are. I'm American and have been to Iran twice for vacation. I have no Iranian background but visited simply as a tourist. Sure you see the odd "Down with USA" propaganda sign, but the Iranian people were among the kindest people I have met in my visits to roughly 80 countries.
Buffaloes Roam,getaclue95 and TiDubai
Thank you so much for your kindness and humanity.
You are the true American people who made the USA the jewel of humanity and history of mankind.
The first thing that came to my mind after reading your comments was the scene in dances with wolf when they shot the wolf. the contrast between humanity of the hero (kevin costner) and the inhumanity of villains.
Good people want to spread their goodness of their hearts and miserable people want to make everyone suffer like they do.they cheer for death of few hundred poor farmers on the other side of the world.
Have you noticed how similar those miserable islamic thugs are to these miserable souls?
Thank you once again for your great soul. Namaste
Thnks to how our soldiers in afghanistan are being brutally murdered by the very people they are trying to help, i find myself hard pressed to care about any of the religious idiots living in the mideast.
Maybe that guy Mortensen can go build a school in one of the villages affected by the earthquakes and then write a book about it !
This quake was terrible. Many innocent people were injured or died from this event. Now see they did just fine without any of that big city gummit to tell them what to do or how to build their buildings. Now they know how not to build and they didn't have some big gummit official to tell them how to do it. See if we apply those values to everything over here we could give even bigger tax cuts to the wealthy. Just like the 2R's want to do. Don't worry,women and children and the middle class will pay for it all.
PS. This a sarcastic remark>