Reconstructing forever homes in earthquake-hit Khoy
UNICEF’s efforts to support the reconstruction of damaged houses for vulnerable families in the aftermath of the earthquake in Khoy and ensure safe housing and sanitation for all, including children.
Rostam, residing in Firouragh, the epicentre of the devastating earthquake in Khoy, West Azerbaijan, closely oversees the reconstruction of his house to ensure it aligns with the plans. His wife, Farangis, is living with a disability, and for years, Rostam has tried his best to make life easier for her. However, the earthquake ruined their home.
“It was close to Adhan [call to prayer], and after a while, I felt the earth shaking. That was all we felt; suddenly, the world turned upside down. Everything fell apart. The door closed, and the roof of the corridor collapsed. We were trapped inside the house,” he recalls.
The earthquake impacted at least 261,000 people and displaced an estimated 130,000 from their homes in sub-zero temperatures. Unfortunately, people living with disabilities are disproportionately affected during natural emergencies due to their special needs and therefore difficult access to relief services, including shelter. In response, UNICEF Iran provided cash assistance to 473 most vulnerable households with children, including some with disabilities, to help them undertake necessary repairs to their damaged homes.
Rostam and Farangis were among the recipients of this aid, and under the supervision of social workers, their house is being reconstructed to meet the needs of a person living with a disability. Pointing to his house, Rostam says: “I am working alongside the workers. After all, this is our forever home.” Ms Roghayyeh Akbari, a social worker in Khoy, explains that “UNICEF’s support was allocated for rehabilitation and social support efforts. Rehabilitation covers people living with disability, and social support includes women who are the heads of households. And through field visits, we ensure that the expenditures align with the plans.”
This initiative was funded by the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) as part of a collaboration between UNICEF, the Ministry of Cooperatives, Labor and Social Welfare (MCLSW), and the State Welfare Organization (SWO).
Nearly a year after the disaster, UNICEF's support continues. Javid Rostami, a UNICEF Iran staff member, notes the ongoing needs during a visit to the reconstruction site. “The winter is here, and the rebuilding process is ongoing. Some people are still living in temporary shelters, and providing heating equipment is a priority. Hence, our next step is to provide additional financial aid to vulnerable families, enabling them to procure necessary clothing and equipment for the cold season.”
In addition to house reconstruction, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) team, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Treatment and Medical Education, provided 82 prefabricated latrines and shower rooms to the affected households. “Funded by ECHO, these prefabricated sanitation facilities will ensure high-quality hygiene and sanitation facilities for the families, especially children,” says Sina Saemian, UNICEF WASH Officer, adding that “some units will be transferred to UNICEF warehouse to ensure preparedness for any future emergencies.”
UNICEF’s support in Khoy County covered a wide range of supplies, from hygiene kits and sanitation facilities to prefabricated health centres and classrooms. And, as Javid puts it, “UNICEF hopes that in close collaboration with the government partners, it can continue assisting the affected families in earthquake-hit Khoy County.”
