Press Release
Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development today announced that the UK government is sending shelter equipment to Iran in order to house up to 560 families in Bam, which was hit by an earthquake on 26 December, together with 2 aircraft to help transport relief supplies.
The high specification winterised tents and shelter boxes, sourced mainly from the Department for International Development stockpile, will be airlifted from Kent International Airport in Manston on 29 December in two transport aircraft (one AN12 and one DC8).
Hilary Benn said "the UK is determined to do all we can to help the people of Bam. Providing shelter for those facing the freezing desert night is urgent and critical. Many local people are having to rely on open fires, with temperatures falling as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius."
DFID will also be paying for the AN12 to remain in Iran for the immediate emergency period, along with an additional AN12, to be used by local authorities to transport relief goods to Bam from other parts of the country.
The UK has also pledged =A3150,000 to the International Federation of the Red Cross flash appeal for tents, plastic sheeting, heating and water purification equipment.
UK search and rescue teams arrived in Kerman on 27 December on a DFID-organised charter. The team, comprising UK fire service teams, specialists form British NGOs including the International Rescue Corps, Canis, Rapid and Bird, and staff from DFID, have with them sniffer dogs and thermal imaging equipment.
Notes to editors
1. The supply of tents and the use of aircraft come in response to a request for shelter and logistics assistance from the Government of Iran.
2. The team of 68 search and rescue specialists and 4 DFID staff arrived in Kerman 0730 local time 27 December on a DFID-organised chartered 757.
3. The EU has pledged $992,000 in response to the Iran earthquake, of which the UK contribution is 19%.
4. For a Situation Report on the Iran earthquake please refer to www.dfid.gov.uk
5. For further information please contact the DFID Press Office on +44 (0) 207 023 0600.