Kurdistan facilitating humanitarian response following devastating earthquake

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Interior Joint Crisis Coordination Center (JCC) on Tuesday released a detailed report outlining the casualties and damages to infrastructure in the aftermath of Sunday night’s devastating earthquake.

The report highlighted the humanitarian response and coordination following the powerful 7.2-magnitude earthquake that hit the border areas between the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and Iranian Kurdistan (Rojhelat).

“The estimated figure of the population severely impacted [in the Region] is 640,000 as such: Halabja (140,000), Darbandikhan (50,000), and Garmiyan (450,000),” the JCC report read.

According to the report, nine civilians were killed, “four in Darbandikhan (three of them were IDPs from Tikrit), two in Halabja, two in Kalar, and one in Kifri,” and 554 others were injured.

Meanwhile, in Rojhelat, the number of casualties rose from 450 to over 500, with hundreds more injured, according to state media.

The JCC revealed that most of the damage was recorded in Darbandikhan where “the water and electricity network [was] also damaged and requires extensive repair,” as well as “two hospitals [which] are severely destroyed and out of use.”

“The water plant in Halabja is damaged partially, and can currently produce water half of its capacity,” the report added.

The JCC explained it was working closely with local authorities and partners to assist and coordinate proper humanitarian assistance required to aid those affected by the earthquake in the Kurdistan Region.

“JCC continues to coordinate and facilitate the [humanitarian] response and give customs clearance for assistance sent by partners as well as mobilize available resources to support the local authorities in the affected areas,” the report read.

“The JCC Office in Sulaimani continues to provide assistance to the affected families such as food, shelter, and medical aids,” the statement said, adding it was also distributing food and transporting the injured to hospitals for treatment.

Immediately after the earthquake, Turkey deployed a medical team as well as humanitarian assistance to Sulaimani Province for the victims of the disaster.

The United Nations’ Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday said the organization was prepared to send help if it was required.  

The JCC report also revealed a host of other Non-Government Organizations and humanitarian aid groups (from Italy and Sweden) that have sent medical help as well as supplies to those affected by the quake.

Editing by Nadia Riva