Photo: CNS The Church’s charitable agency in the Middle East and Africa has called on people to pray for all affected by a devastating earthquake that occurred on the border of Iran and Iraq in which at least 450 people have been killed.
The majority of the victims of the 7.3 magnitude quake are from Iran. Altogether about 7,000 people were injured.
Caritas MONA posted on Twitter on November 13, the day after the quake, saying: “Earthquake on the Iran-Iraq border: please join Caritas Iran and Caritas Iraq in prayers for the victims and the affected population.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with our brothers & sisters in Iraq and Iran following yesterday’s devastating earthquake that hit the border region.”
Condolences
Pope Francis has offered condolences, saying he “assures all affected by this tragedy of his prayerful solidarity,” nearly identical messages read, released on November 13.
“In expressing his sorrow to all who mourn the loss of their loved ones, he offers his prayers for the deceased and commends them to the mercy of the almighty,” said the telegrams, signed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state.
As he often does in emergencies, Pope Francis also asked for the “blessings of consolation and strength” for first responders and civil authorities.
The US Geological Survey said the quake was centred 19 miles outside Halabja, Iraq. It was felt as far west as the Mediterranean coast.
The hardest-hit area was Iran’s western Kermanshah province, which sits in the Zagros Mountains that divide Iran and Iraq. The Associated Press reported residents in the rural area rely mainly on farming to make a living.
Caritas MONA, the regional branch of the church’s charitable aid agency in the Middle East and North Africa, sent tweets asking people to join Caritas Iran and Caritas Iraq in prayers for those
Iranian state television said the quake had caused heavy damage in some villages where houses were made of earthen bricks. The quake also triggered landslides that hindered rescue efforts, officials told state television.
At least 14 provinces in Iran had been affected. Sarpol-e Zahab was the worst hit area, and has a population of 85,000.