Proving that disaster
knows no politics, US service members are delivering humanitarian
aid to Iran in the wake of an earthquake that has left an estimated
25,000 Iranians dead.
A magnitude 6.7 earthquake struck the area near the city of Bam.
Unreinforced mud brick buildings crumbled, killing thousands as
they slept. Iranian officials said today the death toll could reach
40,000 in Bam and the surrounding countryside.
Soon after word of the catastrophe spread, President Bush was
informed on it. "We are greatly saddened by the loss of life,
injuries, and widespread damage to this ancient city," Bush said in
a written statement Dec. 26. "I extend my condolences to all those
touched by this tragedy. The thoughts of all Americans are with the
victims and their families at this time, and we stand ready to help
the people of Iran."
A senior U.S. government group met Dec. 26 to see what
humanitarian aid the United States could provide. At first, the
group worked through the Swiss government. The Swiss are caretakers
for the United States in Iran, and have an interest section in the
Swiss embassy here. But U.S. officials soon decided to speak
directly to the Iranian government. Deputy Secretary of State
Richard Armitage called Iran's counselor in the Swiss embassy in
Washington, Mohammad Zarif, with the U.S. offer of assistance. "It
was favorably received," said a State Department spokesman.
"Due to the urgency of the situation, we decided direct contact
was the most appropriate channel," said the State Department
official. He said the direct contact does not alter the tone or
content of other issues the United States has with Iran. The
humanitarian concern is paramount to the United States. "Our only
mission is to alleviate the human suffering caused by the
earthquake," the official said.
The U.S. government decided to deploy civilian teams composed of
more than 200 experts in urban search and rescue, emergency surgery
and disaster response coordination. These included medical response
teams from Boston, and local disaster response teams from Los
Angeles and Fairfax County, Va. Disaster response experts also will
be drawn from the US Agency for International Development, the
Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the State Department.
The U.S. military began deploying more than 150,000 pounds
of medical supplies from bases in Kuwait to the people of Iran. It
was the first U.S. aircraft to land in Iran since the end of the
Iranian hostage crisis in 1981.
At least seven C-130 Hercules flights went from Kuwait to
Kerman, the Iranian provincial capital near the affected areas. In
addition, a C-17 Globemaster III from Charleston AFB, S.C.,
delivered personnel and equipment to Kerman. News reports said U.S.
airmen and Iranian soldiers worked side by side to unload the giant
airlifters.
The United States will continue to work with the Iranian
government, international agencies and the Red Cross and Red
Crescent as recovery efforts continue, officials said.
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