Iranian Television: Death Toll has Risen to 270

According to news reports on Iranian television, the death toll resulting from the earthquake has risen to 270, while the number of wounded currently stands at 950.

Ali Komisari, spokesperson for the Kirman governor’s office announced earlier that the number of dead was estimated at 400 while the number of wounded had surpassed 1,000.

Another official from the office announced that 40 villages with a total population of 30,000 were affected by the earthquake, and Davudiyah village near Zerend was completely destroyed and destruction in other villages was up to 90 percent. The official also noted that emergency supplies such as tents, blankets and heating, as well as food supplies were reaching the earthquake victims.

If not enough tents are available for the victims, some of them will be relocated to the relief centers established in the city of Zerend, the same official reported that transportation on the highway link to Hunek village to Zerend and the Jiroft-Sarduniyah highway and subsidiary roads into rural areas remain closed.

The Iranian television broadcast announced that aid activities are also being conducted from the air with the help of five helicopters in addition to the ground efforts, however, it was reported that heavy rains and busy traffic in the region has hampered rescue operations.