Jordan Times
Wednesday, January 7, 2004
Queen to visit Bam, deliver 5th Jordanian planeload of humanitarian aid
AMMAN (JT) — Her Majesty Queen Rania will visit the Iranian city of Bam today to deliver humanitarian aid and relief to victims of last month's devastating earthquake, which claimed the lives of more than 30,000 people and left over 50,000 injured.The one-day visit, during which the Queen will distribute medical supplies, blankets and heaters to thousands of homeless families, is part of international efforts to alleviate the suffering of those hit by the natural disaster.
The earthquake — which struck on Dec. 26 — destroyed 75 per cent of the ancient city including the 2,000-year-old citadel of Bam, one of UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. Measuring 6.3 on the Richter scale, the quake flattened the ancient mud city, leaving thousands dead under the rubble and thousands more homeless, suffering in freezing weather conditions.
A barrage of emergency responses came from global communities and humanitarian organisations following the disaster.
Four Jordanian planes equipped with relief and medical supplies were sent to Iran two days after the quake.
A military field hospital was also deployed in the devastated city and began providing round-the-clock medical services to the survivors. A seven-member rescue team from the Civil Defence Department was also dispatched to join thousands of international search and rescue teams looking for survivors.
Until Jan. 1 around 17 tonnes of relief supplies had been dispatched by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation.
A fifth plane — a C-130 military plane — carrying further relief including medical supplies, tents, blankets, heaters and food parcels, will accompany Queen Rania.