Saed News: The President of Iran’s Red Crescent Society has extended condolences to the families of victims and those affected by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles. In a message to the President of the American Red Cross, Pirhossein Kolivand expressed solidarity and announced Iran’s readiness to provide humanitarian aid to the U.S.
According to Saed News via IRNA, Kolivand’s message to Cliff Holtz, President of the American Red Cross, reads:
"The news of widespread wildfires in large areas of your country—destroying homes, endangering countless innocent lives, and turning the beautiful landscapes into ashes—is not merely a local crisis but a wound on the collective conscience of humanity. It deeply pains the hearts of all responsible and compassionate people worldwide."
The message continues:
"The heartbreaking scenes of people struggling to breathe under skies filled with smoke and fire are more than just television images; they are a call to action. On behalf of the Iranian Red Crescent Society, we assure you that in these difficult times, you are not alone. The recent fires demonstrate that controlling such crises surpasses local capabilities and necessitates global cooperation to extinguish the flames. The prolonged firefighting efforts not only threaten human lives but also pose a danger to the planet and its environment."
Kolivand also emphasized Iran's preparedness to deploy resources:
"With extensive experience in managing natural and human-made disasters, we at the Iranian Red Crescent Society are ready to dispatch specialized rapid response teams, relief supplies, and trained personnel promptly to assist."
He further stated:
"Our commitment to humanitarian principles and the lofty values of Islam and humanity, along with adherence to the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, drives us to extend aid beyond borders, cultures, and languages in response to this crisis. We firmly believe that only through global solidarity and cooperation can we mitigate the severity of this disaster."
The message concludes:
"We are prepared to work alongside other relief forces to restore peace to those trapped in the flames of fire and sorrow. Saving lives, alleviating the suffering of victims, and instilling hope are our highest missions. We are confident that by combining efforts and sharing experiences, we can end this crisis and pave the way for a brighter future for those affected by these merciless fires."
Kolivand concluded by expressing condolences to the American people and inviting Holtz to coordinate further assistance efforts.
Since Tuesday, six major wildfires have ravaged various areas of Los Angeles, leaving at least 11 dead and destroying over 12,300 buildings. Officials warn that the death toll and damage could increase.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna stated that evacuation orders may impact 166,800 residents, with 57,830 buildings at risk of destruction. Firefighters have managed to contain some blazes, including the Palisades Fire in western Los Angeles and the Eaton Fire in the city’s east.
Despite these efforts, thousands remain homeless, and dense smoke has prompted U.S. officials to declare a public health emergency.
AccuWeather estimates the financial loss from the wildfires to be between $135 billion and $150 billion.
President Joe Biden has called the wildfires a "major disaster" and pledged federal support to Governor Gavin Newsom for firefighting and rebuilding efforts.
