Three organizations announced plans May 12 to gather money and supplies for survivors of the earthquake that struck northeastern Iran on May 10.
The Iranian Embassy in Tokyo said it is accepting financial donations as well as supplies to ease the suffering of the quake survivors. Donations can be made to ordinary account #0553557 at the Shin-Akasaka branch of Tokyo-Mitsubishi Bank. Supplies, including medicine, clothing, digging instruments and blankets, should be addressed to The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, 10-32, Minami-Azabu 3-chome, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106. For more information, call the embassy at (03) 3446-8015.
The Japanese Red Cross Society, which is soliciting donations, said it plans to provide 30 million yen to its Iranian affiliate, the Iranian Red Crescent Society. In addition, it will dispatch a relief team and continue sending supplies. Those wishing to help can donate at post offices to: The Japanese Red Cross Society (Nihon Sekijuji), postal account #00110-2-5606. When filling out the form, please write "Iran Earthquake Assistance" in the correspondence column. For more information, call (03) 3438-1311, extension 4221.
In the meantime, the Japan Emergency Team, Japan's only nongovernment disaster response unit, has begun a campaign to gather supplies and support personnel to help those afflicted by the earthquake. Requested supplies include rice, canned food, instant food, home medical kits, sleeping bags, powdered milk, tents and soap. Supplies should be sent to Operation Iran, The Japan Emergency Team, Box 65, Azabu, Tokyo, 106-91.
The organization requests donors limit supplies to one type per box and clearly mark contents on the outside, for customs purposes. They also request that the number 0335852261 be written on any boxes. Medical personnel or other individuals who are willing to help with packaging and other efforts are asked to contact the Japan Emergency Team at (03) 3585-2261.