3. - usaid

Comnts on Effectiveness of Iran's Relief Operations
There was praise for the rescue and relief operations by the Govemmen't of
Iran, Red Lion and Sun Society, and other organizations. It was evident
that there had been many improvements since the 1962 earthquake. One newspaper
attributed this to the Government's genuine concern and a trust c3n
the part of the public in official organs and institutions. This was :in
contrast to the 1962 earthquake. At that time, people had little corndence
in public institutions to conduct emergency aid, and the public
insisted on doing the relief work themselves.
This time earthquake relief also had its delays, problems, and f'rustra'bions.
In view of Iran's proneness to major disasters, it is hoped that f'urther
efforts will be made to simplif'y and strengthen the GO1 disaster organization.
Following are some of the problems observed in the Khorassan
. operations together with some recommendations that could help when
disaster strikes:
Problems
1. Initial failure of co~cations facilities.
2. Inadequate geologic maps and insufficient information on location of
villages.
3. Absence of automobile roads and inability to maintain airstrips, and
lack of helicopter and airlif't support.
4. Reluctance of GO1 and FXSS to take relief materials to villages ant1
hamlets located in the farther reaches of the mountain areas and to
relatively inaccessible locations.
Recomendations (These are offered as guidelines in respect to the
-
problems cited. )
1. Institute a national disaster response organization and preparedne:;~
program that would result in a coordinated approach by government, Red
Cross (RLSS) , and voluntary agencies.
2. Develop a decentralized response system to:
a. improve each province's self-help capability to handle local
disasters, and
b. improve each province's ability to assist city areas should a
disaster strike population centers such as Isfahan, Ahwaz,
Shiraz, Tabriz, Hamadan, or Tehran.
3. Establish a disaster relief training program.
4. Initiate hazard mapping in earthquake-prone areas.