|
On December 26, 2003 at 5:28am an earthquake of magnitude 6.6 on the Richter
scale struck the ancient Iranian city of Bam, killing
more than one-third of its more than 100,000 residents,
injuring more than half of them and flattening more
than 70% of their homes.
The historical city of Bam
was an important stop along the Silk Road.
The earthquake destroyed the
historical landmark.
The first team of eleven Tzu Chi doctors, nurses and
volunteers arrived within 72 hours from Turkey, Jordan
and Taiwan. With nearly 5000 pounds of medical supplies,
the team began emergency aid on December 29th. The second
wave of Tzu Chi volunteers arrived on January 21st to
continue to distribute relief materials and provide
medical aid.
On March 11th, Tzu Chi volunteers began distributing
bags of rice, medical kits, blankets and daily necessities
to the survivors. The constructions of schools and a
medical center were under assessment.
It is the hope of Tzu Chi that through giving, love
and respect, the earthquake survivors may come to feel
the warmth of humanity and find the hope and strength
to stand up from tragedy.
|
