A huge international rescue effort swung into action yesterday after the scale of the disaster in Iran became clear. The US offered unspecified assistance to the regime it had branded part of the "axis of evil". Specialist teams from Germany, Italy, Russia, Greece, Switzerland and Scotland were also preparing to fly out.
Russia's emergencies ministry, which is skilled in reacting to the country's frequent natural and man-made disasters, has rapid response units of doctors and paramedics as well as dog handlers, which were last night due to fly to the stricken area.
The German government said it would send a team from its THW aid agency, which maintains a group of rescue specialists ready to head to disaster sites on six hours' notice.
Greece, one of the most earthquake-prone countries in Europe, has a number of rescue teams on constant alert and has pledged its support. A 10-member Swiss team, with search dogs, was due to leave last night, and Italy and Jordan have also mobilised experienced teams. - (Guardian service)