TEHRAN – The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) rescued 3,407 individuals trapped in heavy snow and blizzard conditions in 15 provinces on Saturday.

A total of 85 relief teams with 326 rescuers helped affected people in Ardabil, Isfahan, Khorasan Razavi, North Khorasan, West Azarbaijan, East Azarbaijan, and some other provinces.

They provided emergency shelter accommodation for 254 individuals and took 51 others to safer places. Moreover, two were taken to medical centers, Babak Mahmoudi, an official with the IRCS, said.

Some 60 individuals received foodstuff, and 1,004 vehicles trapped in heavy snow were pulled out, the official added.

IRCS is a top organization

In September, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) project manager, Faisal Mahboob, lauded the capabilities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) as outstanding.

The official said he was really impressed by the capacity and the wide range of activities carried out by the IRCS.

“The International Federation will support the activities of the Iranian Red Crescent Society to commence a new phase of collaboration with the society,” Mahboob added, the IRCS website reported.

In May, Pir-hossein Kolivand, head of the IRCS, said the IRCS is recognized as one of the five prominent societies worldwide thanks to its wide range of activities and great achievements both nationally and internationally.

Referring to health, treatment, and rehabilitation as one of the parts of the IRCS activities, Kolivand said the IRCS hospitals, pharmacies, and clinics meet the medical and therapeutic needs of thousands of citizens every day.

The IRCS medical centers abroad are reputable worldwide. As a humanitarian organization, the IRCS is trying to alleviate the suffering of the people involved in accidents, emergencies, and conflicts.

“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,” the official noted.

According to a report released by the IFRC on the most important achievements of the Iranian Red Crescent Society during January-December 2023, the IRCS continues to tackle the impacts of climate change, program adaptability, and preparedness efforts that have been triggered by the climate crisis.

In 2023, the Iranian Red Crescent worked on tackling climate change by developing community-level adaptation plans through volunteer initiatives and Helal Houses (community-owned Red Crescent Houses), mobilizing health caravans, and implementing early warning systems for heat waves, droughts, and flash floods.

It raised awareness among local communities and staff about climate change, created culturally appropriate educational materials, and enhanced staff capacity for climate-smart programming, the report said.

Additionally, they significantly improved drought-affected communities’ access to clean water and healthcare, as well as their food security and livelihoods.

MT/MG