As the local and the international community provides urgent rescue and first aid for the victims of Iran-Iraq earthquake, Iranian startups have also gathered together to run campaigns and bring awareness to this tragic incident.
On Sunday evening, November 12th, 2017, an earthquake with a moment magnitude of 7.3 struck near the border of Iran and Iraq. Over 500 souls are dead and thousands are injured while local officials expect the death toll to rise while the rescue teams continue to search in other areas. The province of Kermanshah and the town of Sarpol-e Zahab in Iran and Halabja in Iraq had the hardest hit. Many apartment complexes, schools and hospitals are collapsed according to the reports.
Thanks to social media networks and messaging apps such as Telegram, Twitter and Instagram, emergency organizations have been able to spread rapid responses throughout this crisis. Iranian mobile operators such as Hamrah-e Aval (MCI), Irancell and Rightel are also providing free phone call services in the city of Kermanshah. Hundreds of charities and organizations are also spreading the news about the needs of the victims on social media and asking for the help of the people.
Meanwhile, Iranian entrepreneurs have come along to support the victims of this devastating earthquake. 2nate, one of Iran’s crowdfunding platforms is collecting money for the essential necessities of the people in the western region of Iran. In less than 48 hours, 3,650 people have donated over 125 million Tomans (over 30 thousand USD) for this campaign with the help of other startups which have supported this cause as a social responsibility.
Iranians living abroad could also send their donations via PayPal, MasterCard or Visa on 2nate.
Mehrabane, another crowdfunding platform, is also collecting money to support the victims of this incident in the city of Sarpol-e Zahab. This campaign has successfully collected 40 million Tomans (10 thousand USD) and still counting.
Startups such as Peeyade, Dunro and Poonez are encouraging individuals to donate blood at their nearest blood bank and donation spots. Snapp and Tap30, the two major ride-hailing apps in Iran are also giving discounts for the rides to blood donation spots. By taking a look at the Instagram page of Iranian startups you can find many initiatives which are helping this cause.
If you know other startups which are helping the victims of this earthquake, please let us know in the comments below.
Our deepest condolences to our brothers and sisters and all those who suffered loss in this devastating earthquake. May God provide you with the strength and comfort you need to get through this tough time.
Human beings are members of a whole
In creation of one essence and soul
If one member is afflicted with pain
Other members uneasy will remain
If you have no sympathy for human pain
The name of human you cannot retain
– Saadi Shirazi
Chegovara, a startup for water subscription service, also has a campaign in which anyone can buy water bottles in their website and they will deliver the water to the Iranian Red Crescent Society to be sent to the affected areas.