Iranian Vice-President Es’hagh Jahangiri made the remarks in a meeting with the Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Elhadj As Sy on Wednesday, welcoming IFRC to utilize the capacities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) for addressing the ongoing problems in the Middle East region.
Jahangiri hailed the IRCS’s immediate and effective response to the Nov.12 earthquake which hit the western part of the country and claimed the lives of at least 500 people, adding “over 480 people lost their lives and thousands were injured in the earthquake. One of the unique measures in relief operations was the transfer of 7,000 injured to medical centers by 36 helicopters in a very short time.”
“People in earthquake-hit areas are gradually returning to normal life,” Jahangiri said. “The government is working on plans for their permanent settlement and some good decisions have been made for revitalizing the business and starting the reconstruction process in Kermanshah.”
Elsewhere, Jahangiri discussed the grievous situation in region, particularly in Yemen, voicing the IRCS’ readiness to join efforts with IFRC in sending humanitarian aid to Yemeni people.
The IRFC chief, for his part, proposed a plan to provide health assistance and shelter to earthquake survivors so that they can return to their normal life within a year.
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