Ayatollah Khamenei Views Iran Quake as ‘A Test’ for Statesmen to Perform Duties


Ayatollah Khamenei Views Iran Quake as ‘A Test’ for Statesmen to Perform Duties

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei said natural events, including the recent deadly earthquake that jolted the country’s western provinces would boost sympathy among people, adding that the disaster is also a test for authorities to perform their duties.

Ayatollah Khamenei on Tuesday received heads of Iran’s three branches of power and also other government and military official and expressed his deepest condolences over the heartrending tragedy, caused by the devastating earthquake in Kermanshah.

Appreciating the presence of the officials at locations at quake-hit areas and expressing his sympathy for the people, Ayatollah Khamenei stressed, “The compassion must, strongly, continue by helping the people, so it can ease their problems.”

He went on to say, "It is extremely difficult to lose one’s beloved people. But, I hope that God brings His peace and patience to the hearts of the grieving families and brightens their eyes by His favor and mercy."

Imam Khamenei further mentioned that increased sympathy and cooperation are the effects of such events, official website of the Leader reported.

“These events lead everyone into the realm of cooperation; and, we hope that this kindness and fraternity attracts divine blessings for the brave people of Kermanshah and all the Iranian people.”

Ayatollah Khamenei considered the recent disaster as a divine trial and a situation for officials to perform their duties, adding, “During these past two days, officials, including the president, visited and expressed their sympathy for the survivors. I hope that these sympathetic attitudes continue, in practice, effectively helping the people; and, I hope they can reduce the pain and sufferings of the people, considering the cold weather is upon us.”

In the meeting, President Hassan Rouhani, the Iranian president, referred to the efforts of all units, in aid and rescue operations, for treating the injured and survivors, by stating, “This event is a trial for us. I thank all the units who have been working hard and continue to help, especially the Armed Forces, who acted very well."

The Sunday tremor, whose epicenter was near Halabjah, southeast of Iraq’s Sulaymaniyah, measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. It killed at least 435 people, injured over 7800 and left massive damages in the Iranian border province.

Kermanshah’s provincial officials said about 12,000 houses both in urban and rural regions across the province have been totally damaged due to the strong earthquake.

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