Humanitarian Convoy Heads from Turkey to Iran

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Turkish Red Crescent sent an emergency humanitarian convoy from Turkey to Iran on Friday, warning of a "desperate" situation in the country.

"Humanitarian needs in Iran are extremely high," said Scott Craig, a spokesman for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). He said the conflict had claimed more than 2,000 lives in the past five weeks and had severely damaged the health system and infrastructure. The situation has also been worsened by the psychological impact on the population.

The convoy includes about 200 trauma kits intended for victims of the bombing. The Turkish Red Crescent has also dispatched four trucks carrying 48 tonnes of aid, including shelters for displaced families, hygiene kits and medical supplies.

According to the organisations, this is among the first international aid deliveries to Iran since the start of the conflict. The overland route from Turkey is seen as crucial given disrupted supply chains.

About 3.6% of Iran’s population of 90 million has been displaced by the fighting. Some 62,000 houses and more than 20,000 businesses have been destroyed. The convoy is expected to arrive in Tehran within 48 hours, after which supplies will be distributed to centres for displaced people.

(anews.com.tr, bak)