Round the clock relief for millions of pilgrims
Khuzestan Red Crescent stands strong in Arbaeen service
By Hassan Aboudi Mazraei
Head of Iranian ICS
in Khuzestan Province
Iranian Red Crescent Society in Khuzestan Province doubled both its relief personnel and operational bases this year to serve millions of pilgrims crossing from the province into Iraq during the Arbaeen pilgrimage.
Arbaeen, a major Shia Muslim event commemorating the 40th day after the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (PBUH), draws millions annually to the holy city of Karbala in Iraq.
Coinciding with the mass movement of pilgrims through Khuzestan’s border crossings, the province’s Red Crescent boosted its manpower and logistics capacity by 100% compared with last year, enabling it to provide stronger relief and medical support.
Deploying 925 professional rescuers, the society launched its Arbaeen operations on July 26 (Safar 1), setting up two frontline operational bases at the Chazabeh zero-point border and the Shalamcheh Martyrs’ Memorial area.
During the days leading up to Arbaeen, more than three million pilgrims crossed into Iraq from Khuzestan’s land borders, with relief workers on round-the-clock duty. The border teams shouldered heavy workloads to keep the flow of assistance uninterrupted.
In total, the Red Crescent operated two border rescue stations at Shalamcheh and Chazabeh, 15 roadside relief posts on routes leading to the borders, 24 intercity operational bases, and three medical centers inside Iraq along the approaches to the frontier.
Operations relied on 216 ambulances, supported by vehicle carriers, forklifts, and trailers stationed along the routes to clear obstacles and aid vehicles in distress. Two helicopters were also deployed for aerial support of rescue and relief missions.
For improved service to female pilgrims, more than 200 trained women rescuers were stationed along the approach roads to both borders. These teams delivered a range of educational, cultural, logistical, medical, and support services.
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