Bam earthquake in Iran
Economic and human disasters caused by the earthquake
Introduction
The earthquake that hit Bam has surely been one of the greatest disasters in the
country. It occurred the 26 December 2003 at 05:26am local time, when most of
the inhabitants of the city were sleeping: this could be one of the causes of the
great life loss during the earthquake. The number of victims was officially
declared to be more than 30,000. Also more than 50,000 people were injured and
about 100,000 people remained homeless. The earthquake that devastated the city
of Bam was at a powerful magnitude of 6.6 on the Richter scale.
Economic disasters
Iran is one of the poorest countries and the earthquake occurred in in one of the
poorest areas of the country (Kerman province: 186,422 km²). Many people are
now jobless and homeless and are also dependent on help from outside.
The city of Bam is well known by the historical citadel of Arg-e-Bam, which is
more than 2000 years old, and was unfortunately heavily damaged that day. Arg-eBam is the largest mud-brick complex in the world. It is located on the verge of
the Silk Road and the castle has an area of approximately of 6 square kilometres.
This means that tourist attractions in the area, like Arg-e-Bam, don't exist any
more and that people working there will loose their jobs and won't have any
income.
Most of the population affected
by the disaster is of the lowincome groups who live in mudconstructed houses and other
materials such as bricks and
cement have also been used
without adequate reinforcement.
The region's infrastructure also
suffered considerable damage
including the primary and
secondary roads, transmission
lines and the water and sewage
systems, leading to a cut in
connection with the nearby
provinces.
The earthquake also caused direct damages to livestock, agricultural crops, deep
wells, irrigation systems and rural roads.
Because of this terrible event many people are now jobless and homeless and are
also dependent on help from outside.
Solutions
Iran is one of the poorest countries and the earthquake occurred in in one of the
poorest areas of the country (Kerman province: 186,422 km²). Fortunately rich
countries like USA, Germany, France, UK, Italy etc. have responded to the
message sent from the Iranian government, sending rescue teams, doctors, trained
dogs to find the highest number possible of people still buried, a lot of food
supplies and beverages and also a large sum of money to help rebuild what has
been destroyed.
The United Nations announced it will launch a flash appeal for almost $75 million to help
fund reconstruction and relief efforts in Bam. In the meantime, it is raising money to
provide food, shelter, and health care for Bam and other communities that were
devastated by the 6.5 shaker.
5nd class, English section
Economy
Prof.: A. WYKES