The U.S. Sends Thousands of Kilograms of Medical Supplies from Its Bases in Kuwait to Iran - 2003-12-27

The international community has rushed to aid the people of Iran by sending rescue teams, medical personnel, and necessary supplies for the victims of the earthquake in Bam on Friday. On Saturday, the arrival of rescue teams in the region began, accompanied by trained search dogs to find victims among the rubble. The U.S. and several European and Asian countries are sending teams to assist in the search for victims. Some of these countries are also dispatching medical teams to treat the injured. The White House has announced that it will begin sending thousands of kilograms of medical supplies from U.S. military bases in Kuwait. The government is also sending a delegation of about 200 rescuers and medical experts from Virginia, California, and Massachusetts to Iran. Many Muslim countries have also joined humanitarian efforts. Pakistan has sent two planes carrying relief goods and equipment, and Saudi Arabia has sent three planes carrying essential supplies to Iran. Turkey has also dispatched several trucks and planes carrying rescuers, food, and medicine. Hamid Karzai, the head of the Afghan transitional government, whose country suffered from deadly earthquakes in 2001 and 2002, has stated that Afghans will help in any way they can. Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has requested over $12 million to expedite the delivery of urgent relief supplies to Iran.