Iranian refugees in Van, the Turkish city near Iran’s borders that was hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake, have no means of leaving the area.

The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran reported on the dire condition of refugees in Van, quoting student activist Ali Nazari.

The earthquake struck about three weeks ago, killing more than 600 people. Another earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale struck on Tuesday night, claiming at least seven more lives.

Ali Nazari reported that there is no transportation out of the city, and the refugees are, therefore, in limbo.

He added that Van police have not received permission to move the refugees.

Another refugee, Hajir Sharifi, told Zamaneh that police have told refugees they can leave the city for 10 days but after that they have to return to Van to pursue their case.

The refugees had reportedly left the city and returned just when the second earthquake struck.

Ali Nazari added that no international body, not even the United Nations, is providing any services to the refugees.

Van, with a population of 380,000, is one of the major centres for holding asylum seekers. Iranian and Afghan asylum seekers are listed as the largest groups of refugees in Van.

A UN report indicates that there are about 500 to 1,000 Iranian refugees and about 4,000 Afghan asylum seekers in Van.

Source : Radio Zamaneh