Teachers’ Bank Accounts Blocked for Assisting Sistan and Baluchestan Flood Victims
Bank accounts of teachers for assisting flood victims in Sistan and Baluchestan have been blocked.
Mohammad Habibi, a labor activist for Iran’s teachers, had announced three bank accounts to assist flood victims in southern Sistan and Baluchestan, but last night reported that these accounts have been blocked by the Islamic Republic.
The Teachers’ Professional Association issued a statement regarding the blockage of these accounts: “We inform all dear colleagues and citizens that unfortunately all three accounts announced for assisting flood victims in Sistan and Baluchestan have been blocked, and although it is possible to deposit into these accounts, account holders cannot withdraw funds. We earnestly request all participants to refrain from depositing their cash contributions to the accounts announced in previous statements until further notice.”
Nearly two weeks have passed since the floods began in Sistan and Baluchestan province and created difficulties for the people. During this two-week period, not only has the government provided no effective assistance to flood victims in this province, but it has also blocked accounts related to collecting public donations.
Moein-al-Din Saidi, a member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, also stated in an interview with Shargh newspaper: “Parviz Parastui, Rasoul Khaadem, and the fuel carriers have provided more assistance to flood victims in Sistan and Baluchestan than the government.” His sarcastic remarks also pointed to the absence and ineffective presence of officials.
According to Saidi’s statements, the representative of parliament, the main infrastructure of roads in some areas has been completely destroyed. While houses are completely emptied and roads have been destroyed, we witness an accident every day. There are no sewage networks in cities and villages, and the floods have caused sewage to mix with drinking water, increasing the possibility of spreading infectious diseases.
According to reports from the director general of the Crisis Management Headquarters of Sistan and Baluchestan regarding the preliminary damage assessment: “The floods have caused over 14 trillion rials in damage to the infrastructure of 13 cities in this province.”
Although the government has provided no effective assistance to flood victims in Sistan and Baluchestan province, considerable aid has been provided by the people to this province. Mohammad Ali Zahmatkash, one of the labor activists of Iran’s teachers, traveled with a truck carrying public donations to help flood victims. Additionally, some non-governmental organizations, including one managed by Rasoul Khaadem, wrestling champion, with the help of volunteers are assisting those affected by appearing in many flood-stricken areas.
