The 46-member South African rescue team arrived in Iran on Sunday to join a massive international rescue effort and lend assistance to Iran following a devastating earthquake in the country’s historic fort city of Bam on Friday.
Rescue SA spokesperson Samantha Botsis said the team had been due to land at Kerman airport but because so many international teams had arrived there, flights were being diverted.
Instead the South African team landed at Zahedan airport and had to drive four hours to Bam, although conditions were difficult as the road was congested and it was pouring with rain.
About 25 000 people are reported to have been killed and thousands have been injured and left homeless in freezing weather conditions.
The South African rescue team is made up of members from the NGO Rescue SA, South African Police Service dog unit, several Gauteng emergency services and Netcare 911.
Department of Foreign Affairs chief director of social development Vic Zazeraj said the team had taken search and rescue equipment, tents, blankets, medicines, bottled water and food.
Gift of the Givers Foundation, an NGO in Pietermaritzburg, has made available R1-million.
The organisation’s spokesperson, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, said on Saturday that tents, blankets, medicines, bottled water and food had also been purchased by a representative in Iran.
He said water purification tablets were also taken by the rescue team to Iran.
Sooliman said people interested in supporting the relief effort could make a donation into the foundation’s banking account. The banking details are Gift of the Givers, Standard Bank, account number 05 22 786 11, Pietermaritzburg, branch code 057525.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance has welcomed and supported the mercy mission undertaken by Rescue South Africa.
DA spokesperson Douglas Gibson said in a statement on Sunday: ”We thank the members of that mission for their self-sacrifice and the fact that they are prepared to put this humanitarian task ahead of their own celebration of Christmas and New Year.
”The DA is shocked and dismayed at the tragic loss of life in Iran. Our hearts go out to the thousands left bereaved by the earthquake, and we send our condolences to the government and people of Iran.”
Meanwhile, Ian Scher, CEO of Rescue SA, said on Saturday that as soon as the call for assistance went out on Friday night, rescue services volunteers started organising with support from the Department of Foreign Affairs.
”The department has contributed a sizeable amount of money towards the rescue operation, although more funding is required,” he said.
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