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IRCS Aid for Victims of Sistan Sand Storm

The packages were distributed in 14 villages in Zabol and Hirmand counties which were severely affected by the seasonal phenomenon.
The packages were distributed in 14 villages in Zabol and Hirmand counties which were severely affected by the seasonal phenomenon.

Following the two recent dust storms in Sistan in the north of Iran’s southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan Province, 6,350 surgical masks and 1,064 food baskets were distributed among the affected residents by the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS).

The packages were distributed in 14 villages in Zabol and Hirmand counties which were severely affected by the seasonal phenomenon, said Rasoul Rashaki, head of the provincial IRCS. Zahak, Hamoun and Nimrouz are the three other counties in Sistan.

“Since winds carrying dust and sand continue to blow, relief workers are on standby to provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency,” he was quoted as saying by IRNA.

Sistan struggles with the seasonal winds for nearly 120 days every summer which carry sand and dust particles and cause high levels of pollution. As a result, the prevalence rate of tuberculosis and respiratory problems are high in the region.

Due to its vast geographical area, (it is the largest of Iran’s 31 provinces), Sistan-Baluchestan is also one of the driest regions in the country and is subject to seasonal winds from different directions, the most important of which are the 120-day winds also known as ‘Levar.’

 Specialized Competitions

In a bid to improve the quality of its services, the provincial IRCS has organized five-day relief and rescue competitions that are underway. The contestants are competing in four areas of roadside assistance, urban relief, rescue from heights and emergency camps.

The official said 230 men and 150 women members of the provincial IRCS are taking part. Competitions aim to assess the specialized training skills, evaluate the abilities of members, and promote the use of modern equipment in rescue and relief operations.

The winning teams will make their way to national competitions.

Financialtribune.com