Irish aid agency Concern is to send a team of emergency-response experts to Iran tomorrow to help with the rescue work in the city of Bam following the earhquake there last Friday morning.
Mr Tom Arnold, chief executive of Concern Worldwide, said the team "would carry out an immediate assessment in the area and establish how donations can be put to the best use. Once our team identify where we can best serve, we want to have the funds and the resources ready."
Concern have an initial fund of €200,000 to deal with the effects of the disaster, but Mr Arnold has asked people to donate.
"But we need much more. So we call on the generosity of the Irish people and we know from past experience that they will respond," he said.
Those wishing to make a donation to the Bam Iraq Earthquake Appeal can do so by calling 1850 410 510 or text Give 6G to 57775.
Meanwhile, UNICEF sent 40 tonnes of relief supplies to Iran yesterday.
The supplies included 14,000 blankets, water purification tablets, portable generators and tents.
Mr Kari Egge, the UNICEF Representative in Iran, stressed the need to look after the homeless as well as trying to recover survivors.
"While the urgent search for survivors continues, it is equally urgent to care for the thousands of children left homeless by this devastating quake," he said.
Ms Maura Quinn, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland said the key challenges for UNICEF was one of distribution of supplies and access to the most vulnerable. "Young people who are fit and able to walk are getting aid but those who need it most are more difficult to reach," she said.
Trócaire also announced today that it is allocating &8364;100,000 towards the relief effort in Iran.
Emergency staff from Trócaire are expected to join the international Caritas relief effort over the next few days.
An initial allocation of &8364;40,000 has been made by Trocaire to the Iranian Red Crescent.
