"This relief assistance will provide a safety net for the victims of the tragedy and will deliver emergency food aid to up to 100,000 people who are living in Bam and its surrounding villages," said Aileen Carroll, Canada's international cooperation minister.

On December 26, the southeastern city of Bam was hit by an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale that killed more than 40,000 people.

Canada's latest contribution was requested by the United Nations. It brings to 1.55 million dollars (1.2 million US dollars) the donations made by Ottawa to the victims.

Canada gave 750,000 dollars (569,000 US dollars) to the Red Cross and has donated first-aid material.

TERRA.WIRE