Iran earthquakes: death toll reaches 300; gov't faces criticism
Overcrowded hospitals in northwest Iran struggled to cope with thousands of earthquake victims as rescuers raced to reach remote villages after two powerful quakes killed nearly 300 people.
Thousands huddled in makeshift camps or slept in the street after the quakes for fear of more aftershocks, 60 of which had already struck. A lack of tents and other supplies left them exposed to the night chill, one witness told reporters.
Iran's government faced criticism today from lawmakers and the public over its handling of relief efforts.
Members of parliament representing the affected areas complained about the shortage of tents for survivors, parliamentary news agency ICANA said today, and Iran's top lawmaker Ali Larijani stepped into the debate.
"The crisis management headquarters must take broader steps to alleviate these concerns," Larijani, a rival to President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and possible candidate in the 2013 presidential elections, was quoted as saying today.
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