U.S. medics join Iran relief effort
Published: Dec. 31, 2003 at 4:43 PM
BAM, Iran, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Aid workers from the United States have joined teams from more than 20 countries in the devastated Iranian city of Bam.
The Iranian government Wednesday raised the death toll to 30,000 in Friday's earthquake that measured 6.6 on the Richter scale and there are fears the final number could approach 50,000, CNN reported.
The numbers came after the nation's top political and spiritual leaders visited the ancient city and promised to rebuild.
A team of 60 doctors and 20 logistical experts from the United States was setting up a field hospital in the city Wednesday and planned to begin treating patients later in the day.
The Americans have been "warmly and positively received by the people of Iran," said U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli.
Some have called U.S. involvement a possible avenue for improved relations between Tehran and Washington, which have been strained since the Carter administration.
The Iranian government Wednesday raised the death toll to 30,000 in Friday's earthquake that measured 6.6 on the Richter scale and there are fears the final number could approach 50,000, CNN reported.
The numbers came after the nation's top political and spiritual leaders visited the ancient city and promised to rebuild.
A team of 60 doctors and 20 logistical experts from the United States was setting up a field hospital in the city Wednesday and planned to begin treating patients later in the day.
The Americans have been "warmly and positively received by the people of Iran," said U.S. State Department spokesman Adam Ereli.
Some have called U.S. involvement a possible avenue for improved relations between Tehran and Washington, which have been strained since the Carter administration.
© 2003 United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
This material may not be reproduced, redistributed, or manipulated in any form.
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