Iran has said it’s willing to accept foreign aid, reversing an earlier refusal for help in the aftermath of the twin August 11 earthquakes that claimed more than 300 lives.

Vice President Mohammad-Reza Rahimi told the official IRNA news agency that his country is now ready to accept international help for the quake victims.

The remarks indicate the authorities are still struggling to cope with the quakes’ aftermath amid growing criticism that they failed to react in a timely manner and help the region along the borders with Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The two 6.4- and 6.3-magnitude quakes killed more than 300 people and injured 3,000.

Meanwhile, the scale of the disaster grew on August 14, with the Fars news agency reporting that rescue workers have found more bodies under the debris in some quake-hit villages.

Based on reporting by dpa and AP
By RFE/RL