Iran: Supreme Leader makes surprise visit to quake-affected regions

Source: 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.

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