IAF flies to Iran with relief, Pak says use our airspace

The plane, carrying medicines and relief material worth Rs 17 crore, will have on board a team of Army medical doctors. Two other aircraft have been put on standby for further assistance.

According to official sources, a team of 60 doctors and medical personnel from the Army Medical Corps will set up a 75-bed mobile hospital in Bam. The relief assistance also includes 10,000 blankets and 1000 tents. The official spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs said 600 tonnes of high-protein biscuits have reached Bandar Abbas which will be dispatched to Bam.

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had spoken to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami on Saturday and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives in Friday’s earthquake. He also offered to send a rapid response team to the quake-hit area to help in rescue and

relief work. Khatami expressed his gratitude for India’s offers.

On Saturday President A P J Abdul Kalam had also spoken to the Iranian President and assured him that ‘‘as a friend, India is ready to extend assistance in relief efforts in whatever manner is required’’. External Affairs Minister Yashwant Sinha, also wrote to Khatami expressing his grief over the loss of lives and offered all assistance in the relief and rescue operations.