TEHRAN (IRNA) -- Iran Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has provided rls 12 billion of non-cash payments to the victims of natural disasters in several countries in the past six month.

The IRCS public relations department said here Tuesday that the total relief aid consignment weighted 1,420 tons and valued at rls 12,771 billion and were dispatched to areas hit by earthquake, floods, droughts and other natural calamities.

With rls seven billion, Iraq ranked first among countries receiving IRCS-sponsored relief aid, he said. The aid consisted of foodstuffs, detergent, tents, blankets, clothing, electricity generators and medicine.

An official at IRCS said here last month that the International Red Cross has ranked Iran sixth in terms of relief aid in the world.

The organization's Managing Director for Public Relations Mehran Nourbakhsh said that Iran Red Crescent Society (IRCS) with over 80 years of experience has gained valuable experience notably in the past 25 year and during the eight years of the imposed war.

He added that the IRCS is in need of heavy equipment which should be provided through government assistance and international organizations.

He said the number of Red Crescent members attending various training courses at 27,697, and noted that training programs have also been planned for 14,200 more new members in the current Iranian year (started March 21).