Thursday, February 24 2005 13:34 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

United Nations: The United Nations has sent emergency teams to earthquake-hit areas of Iran to assess the need for international assistance and they are holding discussions with the officials there, the world body has announced.

"Our priority at this stage is to find out what the needs are on the ground, particularly regarding women and children," UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) country representative Kari Egge, said.

A World Health Organization (WHO) field team is also in Zarand, the main town in the area, while technical staff is providing support for disease surveillance teams.

The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has received information that weather conditions in the region are difficult, with heavy snowfall resulting in a number of road blockages, she said.

UNICEF is working very closely with the Iranian Red Crescent Society and the Iranian authorities to assess the emergency response.

The Red Crescent has already sent supplies of tents, blankets and food, and temporary accommodation is being provided for those in need in Zarand. The Iranian authorities have made no official request for assistance from international organizations, the world body said.

The agency's team, comprising an emergency coordinator, a child protection officer, a water and sanitation officer and a health officer, made their way to the stricken area from Bam, scene of an earthquake 14 months ago, which killed more than 30,000 people.