Just before dawn on December 26th, an earthquake measuring 6.7 on the Richter scale centered near the ancient city of Bam hit Iran.  Approximately 70% of the buildings in the historic city of Bam have collapsed, leaving many trapped and others homeless.  Some 570 villages have also been affected.  The devastated area is very vast and available equipment and facilities are limited  With two hospitals destroyed by the quake, all medical facilities are at capacity.  Electricity, gas, water and telephone services have ceased.  

The following agencies are collecting donations that are sent to the people in need:

1.  Iranian Students and Scholars Association at the Ohio State University.

Make your check payable to: Iranian Students & Scholars Association, P.O. Box #3597, Columbus, Ohio 43210-0597; phone:  614-292-6080.

2.  Relief International.  By phone:  1-310-478-1200.  Credit card donations are gladly accepted.  Online:  Secure, confidential and instant at the web page:  www.ri.org.  By mail:  Checks payable to Relief International can be mailed to Relief International, 1575 Westwood Blvd. #201, Los Angeles, CA 90024.

3.  National Iranian American Council (NIAC).  2451 18th St. NW, 2nd fl., Washington, D.C. 20009.  Phone:  202-518-6187; Fax:  202-518-5507.  www.naicouncil.org, or e-mail:  info@niacouncil.org.

4.  Red Cross.  Make check payable to American Red Cross, mark it Iranian Earthquake and send it to International Service Department, American Red Cross, 2025 E Street, NW, Washington D.C., 20006.  www.redcross.org Phone:  202-303-4463.