Thanks to all those who helped with Bam appeal

These have already helped UNICEF, the United Nations Children's Fund to provide medical supplies, tents and warm clothing for the thousands of children made homeless as, in just twelve seconds, more than 80 per cent of the city crumbled to rubble around them.

Now, more than two weeks later, search and rescue teams have gone home and the focus of the world's media has moved on.

Stricken families remain huddled in tents, reluctant to leave the rubble that was once their homes. Children, in particular have been traumatised and with each of the 100 aftershocks that have occurred in the last two weeks their terror has increased.

UNICEF, working in Iran since 1962, has launched an appeal for £8 million pounds to help in the relief, recovery and immediate rehabilitation of the city over the next three months.

UNICEF is already supplying latrines and rehabilitating water systems to prevent the outbreak and spread of disease and urgently needs funds to enable this work to continue.

In addition, UNICEF will provide phsychosocial support and care for the 6,800 children who have lost one or both of their parents in the disaster.

All of the region's 131 schools have been destroyed or left useless by quake damage.

UNICEF is providing tents and materials to set up temporary classrooms in an effort to restore a sense of normality for children.

A "School in a box" kit costs just £146 and will provide books, pencils, crayons and teaching materials for a teacher and 80 children.

The children of Bam are particularly vulnerable at this time and will need help in the weeks and months to come as they begin to rebuild their shattered lives.

Donations to the UNICEF Children of Iran Earthquake Appeal will be gratefully received at UNICEF UK, PO Box 254, Prestwich, Manchester M25 3WT.

Please make cheques payable to UNICEF UK. Thank you.

Andrea Lock

Regional Fundraising

Manager

North West