Chinese Government dispatches rescue team for Bam earthquake response activities in Kerman Province (Linked to Record ID#41783 and ID#41239)

Project narrative

On December 27, 2003, the Chinese government announced that it would dispatch a team for Bam earthquake response activities. On December 27, 2003, the Chinese Government sent 43 rescue workers to Iran in response to an earthquake that occurred on December 27, 2003 in the southeast region, leaving at least 20,000 dead. A Chinese Government spokesman said Iran urgently needed sniffer dogs and machines that would detect survivors, along with medicine, blankets, tents and prefabricated houses. In addition to this support, Chinese government also provided 5 million RMB in relief supplies in response to the earthquake (captured in Record ID#41783). Then, on December 30, 2003, Chinese government sent supplementary 10 million RMB worth of relief supplies to Iran after the Bam Earthquake (captured in Record ID#41239). Earlier the rector at the faculty of medicine in Kerman, Iraj Sharifi, said 5,000 people had been killed instantly and 20,000 were buried under rubble. The severe quake registered a magnitude of 6.6 with the U.S. Geological Survey. It hit near the ancient city before dawn Friday, killing between 5,000 and 20,000 people. Iranian government officials were differing on the number. The higher toll came from an official with the Interior Ministry. As many as 30,000 people are believed to have been injured. About 80 percent of the city's buildings were likely destroyed in the quake, including two hospitals. The city was left with no power, fuel or water, and people were being given bread to eat.