veiled4allah: thousands in Iranian city killed in quake

Some reports suggest that the death toll may be several times higher than in this report. The earthquake measured 6.3 on the Richter scale and destroyed up to 60% of the buildings in the city.

Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. Surely we belong to God and surely we will return to Him.

The International Red Cross and Red Crescent has established an appeal to support their relief efforts in Bam. Islamic Relief is accepting donations now.

The BBC has a report on Bam's architectural and historical heritage. The Washington Post also has a good report.

Note: The latest reports now put the death toll over 20,000.

Added: Information on more ways to help the Iranian earthquake victims are in the extended entry.

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IRAN EARTHQUAKE: HOW TO HELP

The IRANIAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION OF NORTH AMERICA is accepting donations at its headquarters: 3376 Motor Ave., West Los Angeles, CA 90034. Contributions may also be made with credit cards at (310) 202-8181 or online at www.iman.org

ISLAMIC RELIEF has launched a worldwide emergency appeal in response to the devastating earthquake that hit. In the initial stage, Islamic Relief is planning to provide temporary shelter, medical supplies, food and non-food items such as hygiene kits, cooking sets, tents, water purification tablets, generators, etc. At a later stage, Islamic Relief will focus on housing and community and public building reconstruction (schools, clinics, etc).

To donate, send checks to Islamic Relief, 1919 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506, call (888) 479-4968, or visit: www.irw.org

LIFE FOR RELIEF AND DEVELOPMENT is mobilizing to send emergency relief to the earthquake victims in Iran. LIFE plans to send 7 tons of food and 1.5 tons of clothing to Iran in a matter of days. A team of representatives from LIFE has been dispatched to Iran to assist in relief efforts on the ground, and will coordinate efforts with the United Nations Disaster Management Team and the International Red Crescent Society.

To donate, call: 1-800-827-3543 or visit: www.lifeusa.org

THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF RED CROSS AND RED CRESCENT SOCIETIES has launched a preliminary appeal for 15.4 million Swiss francs (US$ 12.3 million) to bring desperately needed relief assistance to the victims.

To donate, visit http://www.redcross.org.uk/iranearthquakeappeal, phone 08705 125 125 or send checks, made payable to British Red Cross - Iran Earthquake Appeal, to: Iran Earthquake Appeal, The British Red Cross, FREEPOST, London SW1X 7BR.

OXFAM is sending water and sanitation equipment, including bladder tanks and water purification chemicals, on a British Red Cross plane in the early hours of December 30th.

OXFAM is also sending a water engineer to the scene of the earthquake to help set up the necessary facilities. He will work with the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent. So far, OXFAM have commited ?70,000 to this response.

To donate to OXFAM, visit http://www.oxfam.org.uk/what_you_can_do/give_to_oxfam/donate/iran_earthquake.htm