News / Sports

IOC voices readiness to help earthquake-affected people in western Iran

Saturday, 18 November 2017 9:10 AM [ Last Update: Saturday, 18 November 2017 9:10 AM ]

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach (file photo)

President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, has expressed his organization’s preparedness to help families stricken in recent earthquake in the western part of Iran, which has left at least 500 people dead, hundreds of others injured and dozens of villages destroyed.

The quake measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale rattled the border region between Iran and Iraq on Sunday night, causing extensive damage and loss of life.

According to the latest figures, at least 436 people have lost their lives and 9,388 others sustained injuries in the earthquake. More than 12,000 homes have also been completely destroyed in the incident.

“It was with immense sadness that I received the news of the terrible devastation that the recent earthquake brought to your country. Please accept my condolences to your fellow citizens for the loss of their loved ones,” Bach wrote in a letter addressed to President of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kioumars Hashemi.

The letter added, “The Olympic Movement stands ready to help Iran in whatever way we can. Sport can play an important role in the rebuilding of your nation and in helping people normalize their lives.”

“On behalf of the International Olympic Committee and the entire Olympic Movement, please accept our deepest sympathies at this difficult time,” Bach pointed out.

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