Varzeqan Earthquake | 2012
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.4 struck the Varzeqan region in East Azerbaijan province, inflicting severe casualties and financial losses upon the residents. This seismic event impacted 580 villages, injuring a total of 155,000 people. The devastation was widespread, leaving an indelible mark on the region.
Due to the wide dispersion of villages and the presence of rugged, mountainous terrain, the rescue operations faced significant challenges. Despite these difficulties, the outpouring of assistance from citizens across the country, especially from nearby cities, was remarkably heartening and made a substantial difference.
For the first three days following the earthquake, I documented the Varzeghan area through photographs. Returning ten days later to prepare a report, I found many villages and areas pervaded by a strong stench from animal carcasses trapped beneath the rubble. The deteriorating health conditions emerged as one of the most pressing issues.
When I visited the Varzeghan region for the third time, three months after the earthquake, the arrival of the cold season had compounded the hardship. Many individuals and families still lacked adequate shelter, their plight underscored by the chilling winds and falling temperatures, highlighting the long road to recovery that lay ahead.
