Date: 26 December 2003

Magnitude: 6.5

The Bam Earthquake struck Iran during the peak of the winter season, killing 31,000 and leaving thousands more homeless. Mercy Relief responded quickly to the Iranian authorities’ appeal for international aid.

Partner(s): Singapore Catholic Archdiocese, the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS), Singapore Soka Association (SSA), Young Sikh Association (YSAS), Iranian community in Singapore, Ba’alwie Mosque, Singapore Red Cross Society (SRCS), local Iranian authorities

How we helped:

• Launched a nationwide fundraising campaign in Singapore
• Worked with the Iranian community in Singapore and Ba’alwie Mosque to gather two containers of relief supplies for the earthquake victims including:
  • 18,000 sets of brand new clothes and winter wear
  • Canned meat and cooking oil
  • Medicine, household kits and hygiene packs
• Mercy Relief and SRCS led an assessment team to Bam four months after the earthquake to evaluate the long-term recovery needs of the affected communities and to propose an appropriate level of assistance
• Worked with SRCS to facilitate the reconstruction of two orphanages in Bam and Kerman