Tehran, March 31, 2006 - (UNIC) A joint multi-agency United Nations Rapid Assessment Team will leave Tehran for earthquake affected areas in Boroujerd, Lorestan province, early Saturday morning. The team will assess the damage caused by a series of earthquakes that struck Lorestan province in west Iran between the night of Thursday and early morning Friday. According to national authorities, some 70 persons are confirmed dead, while 1200 persons are injured in today's earthquake. The number of affected persons is expected to rise. The series of quakes, measuring between 2.8 to 6.0 on the Richter scale, were followed by several aftershocks.

The UN Rapid Assessment Team will inform the UN Country Team whether further assistance is required from the United Nations. The team includes members who have been involved in the Bam emergency programme. The UN Disaster Management Team in Iran, under the leadership of the Resident Coordinator, has been activated and it held an emergency meeting today where it was decided to send the Rapid Assessment Team to Lorestan province. The United Nations system in Iran continues to be in close contact with national authorities to find out what assistance might be needed from the United Nations. According to provincial authorities, the most urgent needs include blankets, tents, heaters, medical and food supplies.