In the Name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful
The occurrence of a devastating earthquake in parts of Kerman Province, especially in Zarand region, which left hundreds of casualties and led to the displacement of thousands of honorable residents of the region, caused me deep sorrow and great regret.
First of all, I would like to emphasize the necessity of taking immediate measures to assist those affected by the earthquake, including a rapid mobilization of the relevant government organs to provide medical treatment for the injured and temporary accommodation for the honorable residents of the region who have been displaced.
The provincial and state officials should carefully supervise the rescue operations, in which even moments count. Then, the necessary assistance should be provided based on appropriate planning stage by stage and in due course.
The regrettable loss of lives of so many devoted residents of Kerman Province is a great catastrophe which may be borne only by seeking assistance from Imam Mahdi (greetings be upon him) and through fortitude and forbearance.
I express my heartfelt condolences to His Holiness Vali-ye-Asr (Imam of the Age), may Almighty Allah hasten his reappearance, and the noble people of Iran, especially the bereaved families of the victims who are mournful over the loss of their dear ones in this heart-rending incident. I also pray to Almighty Allah for the immediate recovery of the injured and once again ask the relevant officials to expedite the rescue operations.
Greetings be upon you and Allah's mercy and blessings
Sayyid Ali Khamenei
Esfand 4, 1383 s.c.