Red Cross provides psychlogical support to Iran quake victims

GENEVA (AFP) Jan 13, 2004
More than 15,000 survivors of the earthquake which devastated the southeastern city of Bam will be able beginning next week to receive psychological counseling organized by the International Red Cross.

Seventy-five volunteers trained in psychological support will be deployed in 11 teams for six months in Bam, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said in a statement.

Some 31,000 people died and about 22,000 were injured in the December 26 quake, which destroyed or damaged 80 percent of houses, leaving 75,000 people homeless.

Each team, drawn from the Iranian Red Crescent society, will include a psychologist, a nurse, a relief expert and educators.

The 1,850 children who remain without family will also receive support.

TERRA.WIRE