Dear Honourable Maryam Monsef,

I am contacting you on behalf of the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) regarding the ongoing floods in Iran.

Since March 16 the flash rains have begun in Iran initially in northern provinces and continued the following days in other provinces. At least 23 out of 31 provinces across Iran are affected by heavy rainfall and flooding, and about 1905 cities and villages have been struggling with floods in recent weeks. The disaster, which has so far killed 70 people and injured at least 790 persons, has left aid agencies struggling to cope; and forced 98,000 people to move to emergency shelters. It is reported that the flooding has caused landslides and swept away bridges. Nearly 12,000 kilometers of roads, which is more than a third of the country's network have been damaged; leaving some villages entirely cut off.

On April 7th the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have started an emergency appeal seeking support to help the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) to provide shelter, basic needs and protection to the victims of this natural disaster, requesting 5.1 million Swiss Francs funding to assist 30,000 households (150,000 people). Please find attached a Copy of The Emergency Appeal.

As indicated in this report, “The first needs assessment was conducted immediately after the onset of the disaster, assisted by IRCS helicopters and boats. IRCS evaluated at-risk communities, which are sheltered in public evacuation centers such as stadiums, halls, and mosques.” Also, it is indicated that “with technical support from the IFRC, the IRCS will select affected people based on the key principles of impartiality, neutrality, and humanity. In addition, the selection process will follow the Code of Conduct guideline for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in disaster relief”.

The international community has responded to this humanitarian crisis by sending equipment and basic needs.  So far German Red Cross, and Turkish Red Crescent sent special rescue equipment, tents, and basic needs. Red Cross organizations in neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, as well as the United Kingdom and the European Union have offered help. Also, countries like Switzerland, France, Kuwait, and Russia are joining the cause by sending humanitarian aids and necessary equipment.

We sent a letter to the Canadian Red Cross requesting their support to help the victims of this natural disaster, by sending aid to provide basic needs, shelter, and protection; and they are currently exploring different options to raise funds to help the victims. Considering the fact that Canada is one of the leaders in the international community for standing up for human rights and offering humanitarian aid, we request the Government of Canada to provide immediate funds to help disaster relief efforts and the flood victims in Iran through the Canadian Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).

Iranian-Canadians have strong family ties in Iran, and they have been anxiously following the news about the floods on a daily basis since the mark of the Persian New Year.

We at the Iranian Canadian Congress have been reached by many community members, who are looking for ways to help their loved ones.  We appreciate the statement released by Global Affairs Canada expressing solidarity with Iranian people in these difficult times. Iranian-Canadians hope their government not only to sympathize with them in their words but also in action. Such action would be greatly welcomed and appreciated by the people of Iran and by over 300,000 Iranians across Canada.

You may find a comprehensive report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies attached. Meanwhile, should you require additional information, we at the Iranian Canadian Congress (ICC) would be more than happy to assist.  

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be any help, and we truly appreciate your time and consideration in advance.

Kind regards,