photo: ISNA

Khatami said the government and Majlis should take appropriate measures for management of disasters.

He added that in the remaining portion of his tenure, efforts should be concentrated on quake resistance infrastructure.

photo: ISNA

The President said that the country has no other alternative but to minimize property losses and casualties caused by quake.

He voiced satisfaction with improvement of health standards in the quake-stricken city of Bam.

He also called for renovation of farmlands and the cattle breeding industry in the quake-hit ares to prevent people's depression.

Furthermore, the president called for accommodation of the survivors and meeting their electricity, water and gas needs.

photo: ISNA

Khatami leaves Kerman for Tehran

President Mohammad Khatami left the quake-stricken southeastern province of Kerman for Tehran after a seven-hour visit.

The chief executive arrived in the province to inspect the uake-stricken city of Zarand and the surrounding areas on Saturday morning.

During his day-long visit to Kerman, he toured the areas most severely damaged by the recent quake and was briefed on the rescue and housing operations underway there.

photo: ISNA

The president also attended Imam Ali (AS) Hospital in the city of Zarand to visit a number of the injured undergoing medical treatment.

He also attended a meeting held by Zarand Reconstruction Headquarters and a press conference, during which he responded to the questions raised by reporters.

The president told reporters that the government was going to form a High Crisis Management Council.

During his one-day visit to the province, President Khatami was accompanied by the Minister of Health Masoud Pezeshkian, Minister of Welfare and Social Affairs Mohammad Hossein Sharifzadegan and a number of senior officials.

Earlier in the day, the president visited the quake-devastated village of Dahuyeh near Zarand and talked to survivors of the earthquake.