A 69-member South African rescue team left on Saturday to lend assistance to Iran following a devastating earthquake there on Friday, an NGO rescue organisation spokesperson said.
The massive earthquake hit south-east Iran, destroying the historic fort city of Bam. The Iranian Interior Ministry has predicted that many more than the reported 20 000 people may have died.
The South African rescue team is made up of members from the NGO Rescue SA, the South African National Defence Force, South African Police Service dog unit, several Gauteng emergency services and Netcare 911, said Ian Scher, CEO of Rescue SA.
He said as soon as the call for assistance went out on Friday night, rescue services volunteers started organising with support from the South African Department of Foreign Affairs.
”The department has contributed a sizeable amount of money towards the rescue operation, although more funding is required,” Scher said by telephone.
Scher predicted that the entire operation will cost about R1,2-million.
South African rescue teams have helped in several other international operations, said Scher.
”It’s good for South Africa to go out and do for other people … [it’s] better than always sticking a hand out.” — Sapa