Hawzah News Agency (Tehran, Iran) - Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in his newly released  message voiced his deep sorrow over the devastating earthquake that hit western cities of Iran Sunday night, killing at least ۵۰۰ people and injuring over ۷۵۰۰ others.

 

The earthquake, was centered 32 kilometers southwest of Halabja in Sulaymaniyah Province of Iraq, measured 7.3 on the Richter scale. 

The Leader also called for immediate measures to assist those affected by the earthquake, including a rapid mobilization of the relevant government organs to provide medical treatment for the injured. The text of the message is as follows: 

In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

The occurrence of a devastating earthquake in western part of the country which caused the death of a number of our dear people, injured many more, caused me deep sorrow and great regret.

It is the responsibility of all relevant officials to take immediate measures to assist those affected by the earthquake, provide medical treatment for the injured and temporary accommodation for the honorable residents of the region who have been displaced.

The Army, Revolutionary Guard Corps and Basij should help with the rescue operations, and state officials, whether military or non-military, should provide the necessary assistance to the injured and their families.

I express my heartfelt condolences to the Iranian nation, particularly the noble people of Kermanshah and the bereaved families of the victims. I also pray to Almighty Allah for the immediate recovery of the injured and patience and resilience for our honorable nation. Once again I ask the relevant officials and anyone who can play a part in lessening the burden of this catastrophe to expedite the rescue operations.