20,000 feared dead in Iran quake

THE world was responding to Iran’s plea for help last night after an earthquake devastated an historic city, killing up to 20,000 people as they slept.

The Irish Government has pledged up to €1 million to assist earthquake victims. Minister of State for Development Co-operation and Human Rights Tom Kitt said the funding will be channelled primarily through the Red Crescent organisation and other humanitarian agencies including the UN.

Survivors and rescue teams were struggling in sub-zero temperatures to find anyone still alive under the rubble that was, until the early hours, the bustling city of Bam.