After an eight-hour flight covering more than 6,400 kilometers, the Chinese rescue team has arrived at Iran's Kerman airport Saturday night.

The team consisting of 43 people is set to leave for the town of Bam after unloading their equipment, including four rescue dogs to help search for survivors.

The Chinese rescue team first had to report on its rescue capability and available equipment to the United Nations' control center established at the airport. They were then ordered to the severely afflicted area around Bam. The UN control center says there are nearly 20 rescue teams from around the world that have promised to send assistance to Iran. Some of them have arrived at the scene, while others are still on their way.

The first patch of the aid from Chinese government also arrived, including 10 tons of blanket, tents, medicine and power generators. Chinese Ministry of Commerce had announced Saturday that China will offer 5 million yuan (US$0.6 million) worth of emergency humanitarian aid to Iran.

This is the second Chinese mission to assist in earthquake-hit areas after a team was sent to Algeria early in April this year.  

(CCTV and CRI, December 28, 2003)