Heroic Rescues: Over 4,000 Individuals Saved from Devastating Blizzard Conditions
TEHRAN – Since Thursday night, relief teams have been tirelessly working to provide rescue services to over 4,000 individuals affected by severe snowstorms across 15 provinces in Iran. According to an official from the Crisis Management Organization, these dedicated rescuers have successfully assisted around 2,500 people who were trapped in blizzards by relocating them to safe shelters and ensuring they receive emergency support.
The situation is exacerbated by a forecasted drop in temperature, which is expected to plummet by 8-12 degrees in many areas of the country over the coming days. With the ongoing harsh weather conditions, the efforts of relief teams have become increasingly vital.
As reported by the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS), rescue operations have been conducted in the following provinces:
- East Azarbaijan
- West Azarbaijan
- Ardebil
- Isfahan
- Ilam
- Qazvin
- Kermanshah
- Kordestan
- Lorestan
- Chaharmahal-Bakhtiari
- Mazandaran
- Markazi
- Hamedan
- Semnan
Since February 6, the IRCS has reported conducting a total of 108 rescue missions, successfully rescuing 2,649 individuals who were affected by the severe snowfall. Furthermore, they have managed to pull out 960 vehicles stranded in heavy snow.
In addition to rescue operations, IRCS has provided essential aid, including:
- Emergency shelters: 857 individuals
- Food supplies: 364 individuals
- Basic goods: 111 individuals
The Iranian Red Crescent Society is recognized as a leading humanitarian organization. In a notable acknowledgment, the project manager of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), Faisal Mahboob, commended the IRCS in September 2024 for its exceptional capabilities. He expressed his admiration for the extensive range of activities undertaken by the IRCS.
Mahboob stated, “The International Federation will support the activities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society to commence a new phase of collaboration with the society,” reflecting the strong international partnership in humanitarian efforts.
In May 2024, Pir-hossein Kolivand, the head of the IRCS, emphasized the organization’s status as one of the top five prominent societies globally. He highlighted the IRCS’s impressive array of activities and significant achievements at both national and international levels.
Kolivand pointed out that health, treatment, and rehabilitation are core aspects of the IRCS’s mission. The IRCS operates numerous hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics that cater to the medical and therapeutic needs of thousands of citizens daily. The IRCS’s medical centers, even abroad, are recognized for their quality and reliability.
As a leading humanitarian organization, the IRCS is committed to alleviating the suffering of individuals affected by accidents, emergencies, and conflicts. Kolivand noted, “Today, collaborations with knowledge-based firms have resulted in advancements in manufacturing orthoses, prostheses, artificial organs, and new medications, with plans to extend cooperation to rescue and relief efforts as well.”
According to a recent report by the IFRC detailing the key achievements of the Iranian Red Crescent Society throughout 2023, the IRCS continues to address the impacts of climate change and enhance its program adaptability and preparedness in response to the escalating climate crisis.
As the situation evolves, the efforts of the IRCS and other relief teams remain crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the harsh weather conditions. Their dedication and quick response are vital in mitigating the impacts of these snowstorms.
