Press Release of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development:
Holy Father's Aid to the populations affected by floods in Iran, 12.04.2019
Over the last two weeks, violent floods have hit the Northeastern and Southern regions of Iran and it is feared that they will continue in the coming days. Populations of the provinces of Golestan, Lorestan and Khuzestan are the most affected and that of Kermanshah was already put to the test by last year's earthquake. More than 10 million people have suffered damage to their homes and property, while 2 million people need urgent assistance. Up to now 77 people have been killed and at least 1,070 have been injured. More than 200,000 people have been evacuated from their villages and the Minister of the Interior also announced yesterday the evacuation of the city of Ahwaz. The structural damage to the infrastructure and agriculture is considerable.
Many countries are responding to calls for help under the coordination of the Iranian Red Crescent Society and the United Nations Office in Tehran. Caritas Iran, which has visited the flooded areas together with other organizations, is also working to bring help to the people.
The Holy Father, in the telegram of condolence sent by the Secretary of State, Card. Pietro Parolin, expressed sorrow for the human victims and prayed for the staff involved in the emergency, entrusting the Iranian people to the providence of Almighty God. Pope Francis, through the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, sent a contribution of 100,000 euros to help population in this first phase of emergency. This sum, which is intended to be an immediate expression of the Holy Father's feeling of spiritual closeness to the people and territories affected, will be distributed, in collaboration with the Apostolic Nunciature, among the areas most affected by the disaster and will be used in relief and assistance to people and territories.