Iran: Supreme Leader makes surprise visit to quake-affected regions
08/16/12Source: Mehr News Agency
TABRIZ, East Azarbaijan Province, Aug. 16 - Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei made a surprise visit to the quake-affected villages in East Azarbaijan Province on Thursday.
Two successive strong earthquakes in the Varzagan and Ahar regions in East Azerbaijan Province on Saturday left over 300 people dead and more than 2000 injured.
The Leader said, "The Iranian people sympathize with the residents of the
quake-stricken region."
The Leader said he had visited the region to show sympathy with the people and
express condolences to those who have lost their loved ones in the quakes.
The Leader added, "The Iranian nation are united and this unity and cohesion
have led the nation to become powerful."
The Leader assessed the delivery of relief aid to the quake victims as good;
however, he insisted that officials have a great responsibility to monitor
construction of quake-resistant buildings in the affected areas.
Related Stories:
- Iran Earthquakes In Photos
- Iranian-American Organizations Send Letter to OFAC
- Iran Welcomes Foreign Aid for Earthquake Victims
- The White House: Statement by the Press Secretary on the Earthquake in Iran
- First foreign aid shipments arrive in Iran
- Photos: Quakes bring death and destruction to East Azarbaijan, Iran
- Iranian lawmakers slam ineffective relief delivery to quake hit areas
- Quakes show danger in laxity in enforcing building codes
- Photos: Villagers mourn and bury loved ones after Iran quake - Part I
- Photos: Villagers mourn and bury loved ones after Iran quake - Part II
- Iranians Struggle to Recover After Powerful Earthquakes
- Death toll from Iran quakes rises to 300
- At least 180 killed, 1500 injured by two strong quakes in northwest Iran
- Photos: Quake Victims in Varzaqan, Iran
- Photos: People in the streets of Tabriz after strong quakes hit the region
- NIAC, Coalition Urge Congress Not to Block Food and Medicine to Iran
- Iran Sanctions Result In Shortages of Cancer Drugs, Heart Medicine