Bam, the ancient city of Iran, was built of mud brick and stone; the city stood for over 2,000 years and was decimated in an earthquake on December 26, 2003. The earthquake shattered mud bricks like glass and the historic city fell to rubble while the modern city was ripped apart by shockwaves. Most of the damage to the modern city was repairable in some fashion or another; but the ancient city (roughly 80% of Bam) will never stand again.

In a city of nearly 200,000 people there were roughly 30,000 deaths, double that number in injuries and almost total homelessness. In addition to housing destruction, irrigation canals were collapsed and threatened to cut off much needed agriculture. Medical care had to be brought in from outside the city and the long journey to reach the city resulted in medical complications for simple injuries.

 

Zakat Foundation Response to the Need

Immediately after the quake, Zakat Foundation joined forces with others under the supervision of Iranian Red Crescent to provide aid. Food, water, sanitation supplies and shelter were all immediate needs that we were able to provide. By the end of our service time in Bam, over 15 tons of food had been distributed and the survivors were able to persevere through the most severe days in the aftermath of this disaster.
Thanks to the mercy of Allah (SWT) and the generous support of our donors, the people of Bam were able to survive the aftermath and begin the long process of rebuilding.

Contribute to our Disaster Relief fund to help us respond to tragedies like this whenever and wherever they happen.