The World Federation supported by Dubai Jamaat visited Bam in January, to assess the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that destroyed the area last December, and to establish a plan for aid for the area.

In contributing to aid projects, it is key not to replicate efforts, but to assess carefully the needs of the residents of the area, physical, educational, medical, emotional and spiritual. With the destruction of so many mosques, centres and hawzas, and with Muharram and Safar quickly approaching, it was clear that the Shia Muslim community needs places to carry out Azadari for the family and companions of Imam Husain (AS) as well as to mourn the loss of their own family members. This would compliment the other aid projects described above.  Specifically, the local residents and leaders asked for semi-permanent Husainiyyahs (places of mourning for Imam Husain) as something they wanted and needed, and which currently was not available to them. In addition, the World Federation can provide the expertise and knowledge of the community needs for such centres which other international agencies may not be able to offer.

It was clear that many international agencies had also come to help the victims in the immediate aftermath of the disaster, providing significant relief supplies of food, medicine, clothing and tents. Pledges had been made for projects such as schooling, housing, hospitals, orphanages and even the historic Citadel.  Contributions have already been made from all parts of the international community, including a consignment of 3000 units of semi-permanent houses from the Turkish government.  The National Imam Khomeini Housing Trust had pledged 25,000 units. The Ministry of Education had already set up tented schools in place of the 65 schools damaged.  UNICEF had committed US$5 million towards schooling and orphanages.  A South African delegation of Muslims had committed to three orphanages. UNESCO (Cultural & Heritage), has pledged US$5 million for the rebuilding of the Citadel.

Rebuilding Husainiyyahs at the heart of Bam
The residents of Bam as Shia Muslims, share a strong bond of faith and brotherhood with the World Federation, and the commemoration of the events of Karbala and the martyrdom of Imam Husain (AS) are ties that link them together, no matter the distance. As followers of the Ahlul Bayt, the Shia Muslim community has a responsibility to provide locations for commemoration and mourning, often known as Husainiyyahs. It incumbent upon us to strengthen the religious infra-structure in order to help fortify the religious principles of our fellow brothers in faith. These projects are of noble cause and are sawabe-jaari (of ongoing reward). Given the selected projects are for religious purposes, it alleviates the complication of identifying the most deserving people to provide aid to. 

The visit of the World Federation and Dubai Jamaat
The delegation surveyed the situation in Bam, interviewed several survivors, and visited the Bam graveyard. Meetings were also held with government officials and religious leaders to truly understand the local needs. Meetings were held with Hujjatul Islam Asgher Askary, the Imam of Juma'h, a direct appointee and representative of Ayatullah Khamenei; the Mayor of Bam; The Governor of Bam; the Head of the Islamic Propagation Organisation in Bam, Shaikh Mohamedali Abadi; The Commander in Chief of Kerman Province, General Shuja Hyder. In Tehran a meeting was held with Agha Mohamed Hassan Akhtari, the Advisor to Ayatullah Khamenei on International Affairs, and in Qum with Syed Husayni Bushehri, the Head of Hawzas in Iran along with his planning manager, Alamul Hudda, who is heading the Bam re-building Committee.

At the invitation of Syed Bushehri, Syed Muhamed Ridha, the World Federation’s representative, was asked to be part of the rehabilitation committee.  The committee is responsible for overseeing the rehabilitation work and reports directly to Syed Huseini Bushehri, the Head of all Hawzas in Iran.  A separate bank account has been established by the hawza and Syed Muhamed Ridha is amongst the three signatories.

Immediate Needs
Given the destruction of almost 50 mosques, 30 religious centres and all 3 hawzas, a pressing need is to provide for these facilities especially given that Muharram is only several weeks away and currently no centres exist.

14 locations have been identified (12 in Bam and 2 in nearby Baravat) for the immediate provision of semi-permanent structures.  These would become key centres around the town and be used for multiple purposes such as Azadari, salat (prayers) and religious classes amongst others. 

The all weather structures are designed to withstand winter conditions of freezing temperatures, strong winds & are waterproof.  Each structure can accommodate about 700 people and will be self contained with complete services including separate ladies & gents washroom, kitchen, heating, lighting, etc.

It is estimated that these structures will remain is use for almost two years whilst the centres are re-built.  Upon completion of the rebuilding, 50% of the items (white goods) will be transferred for use in the new Centres.  The main structure, which accounts the other 50% of the cost, will be stored for use in subsequent Muharram & Safar months as is common practice in Iran & the sub Continent.

As per the attached quotation, the cost of each structure is $8500 and an estimated budged of US $125,000 (£70,000) is requested allowing for US$ 6000 as a contingency to cover labour and transport. 

Capital Projects
In line with the identified needs in Bam, the Capital projects identified are also within the remit of strengthening the religious infra-structure of Bam.

The identified projects and estimated costs are

During the visit a site next to the now destroyed old Juma masjid was identified as a potential site.  The main attraction of this site is that it is located in a central part of the town and is on a main road.  Prior to the earthquake a religious centre was being constructed here and the steel structural beams & foundation that had been completed still stand in seemingly good stead.

Subject to due diligence being carried out on the land ownership and a professional examination of its structural integrity, this basement plus three storey 1600 Sq M built up area would be ideal to build a multi purpose centre that could house atleast the Religious Centre (Imambara) and Ladies hawza.  This would save resources in terms of both time & money.

Background
At 5.28am (0200 GMT) on Friday 26th December 2003, Bam was the epicentre of an earthquake measuring 6.3 on the Richter. Bam is 1000KM from Tehran, in the south east region of Iran, in the Kerman province. 

On the 28th of December 2003, a World Federation response paper was prepared and the Office Bearers formally initiated the Project on 7th January 2004.  The project is being carried out by the World Federation in conjunction with Dubai Jamaat. 

The project team selected individuals with relevant expertise and formed a delegation that visited BAM on 12th - 13th January 2004.  The delegation was hosted by the Office of the Leadership, Ayatullah Khameini.  The trip was coordinated by Syed Hoseini, a volunteer worker from South Africa, who was coordinating the visits of various delegations from South Africa.

The effect of the earthquake
Bam is a mainly agricultural area situated in the Southern province of Kermin. It is well known for its dates and oranges along with a world famous Citadel dating back two thousand years. The Citadel, which created jobs and generated some $400,000 per month in tourism revenue, is now closed due to the significant damage caused by the earthquake.  The only major industry in the area is the automotive industry situated outside Bam.

The City of Bam has a population of about 100,000, with approximately an equal number of inhabitants dwelling in the surrounding townships and villages.

As a result of the earthquake, 33,000 bodies have been buried, and it is estimated that another 18,000 may still be buried under the 10 million tonnes of debris that the earthquake created.  The injured have been evacuated to nearby towns and many of the towns residents who have relatives in nearby areas have been encouraged to migrate temporarily.

In an effort to preserve the town’s heritage and history, people preferred to maintain the mud brick structure houses.  This was perhaps one of the single biggest contributors to the complete annihilation of some residential neighbourhoods.  However, the earthquake did not spare even the newer buildings.  Apart from houses, the earthquake damaged schools, businesses and hospitals. In addition, it destroyed 50 mosques, 30 religious centres and all 3 of the hawzas (Islamic universities) in the area.

Some other factors that differentiate this earthquake from others are that it lasted three times longer (12-20 seconds compared to most earthquakes that last between 3-6 seconds).  Since it was at dawn most people were still asleep at home, and the nature of the buildings discussed earlier also contributed.
Much of the infrastructure in terms of roads, electricity as well as buildings and running water in the outskirts of the town has remained largely unaffected.

A tent city is being set up and several governments and international agencies have begun to provide semi-permanent housing for the residents.  However, due to the culture of the people and given many choose to live closer to their farms, the camps are being mainly used for the elderly and orphaned.