An earthquake measuring 5.9 on the Richter Scale hit the city of Khoy, West Azerbaijan province, in northwest Iran on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Despite a week passing since the earthquake, the situation for the victims remains critical and the government’s response has been insufficient.
The earthquake caused significant destruction, with reports indicating that over 3,500 residential units were damaged, with damages ranging from 20-80%. The earthquake also caused widespread closures of bakeries, stores, restaurants, and service centers, exacerbating people’s difficulties in meeting their basic daily needs.
Despite the destruction and suffering caused by the earthquake, the government has yet to take any serious measures to help the victims. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Basij forces were deployed to the area, but given the lack of resources, they have been unable to undertake any repairs or provide public assistance. The government has also ruled that public assistance to earthquake victims is subject to its discretion.
The distribution of food and other basic necessities has been chaotic, with earthquake victims still not having access to tents or other means of shelter.
Some Khoy residents have reported having to share tents and only receiving two plates of food for 12 people. The closures of stores and restaurants have also left people without access to food.
In response to the government’s mismanagement of the disaster, there have been protests in the affected areas. Iranian security forces have clamped down on these protests and have used a water cannon to disperse people who had gathered in front of the regional administration building in Khoy.
The situation for the victims of the Khoy earthquake remains critical, and people have lost hope in receiving government assistance. 400 families in a village have been left without tents, despite some tents being sent to the area. Government authorities have quickly dispatched anti-riot forces, and have declared the earthquake-affected areas as security zones.
According to government officials, anyone voluntarily coming to the area to provide independent assistance will be arrested.
One resident of Khoy spoke about the situation, “The earthquake was so awful that no one from the authorities came to help us. We are in dire need of tents. I cry. The situation here is terrible. For God’s sake, take care of us here. The situation is horrible. Give us tents. Everyone is in need. God knows we are stranded; please reach out to us.”
Despite the dire situation, the government has yet to take meaningful action to help the victims of the Khoy earthquake. People are left without basic necessities and without hope for the future.
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