Artists offer sympathy for quake victims

A number of domestic and international artists have extended sympathy to victims of Iran and Iraq earthquake that hit vast areas on both sides of the joint border on Sunday night.

The Spanish singer and songwriter Enrique Iglesias and the South Korean actress Lee Young-ae are the most notable among the international artists expressing compassion through their social media pages.

Iglesias posted a message on his Instagram page on Tuesday, writing “Everyone please send your love, thoughts and prayers to those suffering from the earthquake in Iran and Iraq.”

Lee extended sympathy with both nations by expressing hope for the quick rennovation of the hit regions in Iran. She further noted that she feels depression after hearing the news about beautiful Iran.

A large number of Iranian artists and famous figures, including actors Pejman Jamshidi, Ashkan Khatibi, Hamid Farrokh-Nejad, Rambod Javan, Mohammad-Reza Golzar, Mahnaz Afshar, Fariba Kosari and Leila Otadi, have extended their sympathy via their social media pages as well.

The artists also said they would organize various programs to help the victims of the devastating earthquake that hit the western Iranian region.

A 7.3-magnitude earthquake struck villages and towns in Iran’s western province of Kermanshah on Sunday night, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.

The quake is believed to have hit the town of Sarpol-e Zahab, about 15km from the border in Kermanshah, the hardest. The death toll is expected to grow, some buildings are razed to ground and dozens are still trapped under rubble.

A majority of the victims were from Sarpol-e Zahab. Regional countries including Turkey, Kuwait, and the UAE also reported feeling a tremor.

The quake-hit city of Kermanshah is now the stage of inextricably mixed tragic, altruistic and hopeful scenes.

All rescue and relief forces along with military personnel and volunteers have joined hands to help the victims. While tragic scenes of people mourning the loss of their beloved family members are heartbreaking, the incessant work of relief forces to help people still raises hope.

Lee Young-ae is a South Korean actress. She is famous in Iran for her appearance as Seo Jang‑Feum (Yangum) in the Korean historical drama ‘Dae Jang Geum’.

Enrique Miguel Iglesias Preysler is a Spanish singer, songwriter, actor and record producer. He is widely regarded as the King of Latin Pop.

MG/MF