Quake survivors attack 'sluggish' rescue mission

THE survivors of a massive earthquake that may have killed up to 20,000 people and devastated the historic southeastern Iranian city of Bam were beside themselves with grief yesterday, as the scale of the catastrophe swamped rescue workers.

Dozens of bodies littered the streets of the city, built almost entirely from mud brick and ill-equipped to withstand disaster. Bereaved residents pleaded for the authorities to speed up rescue efforts after the historic centre of the city was completely destroyed.

"Seventeen of my relatives are buried under the ruins of my home, they've got to get a move on or all of them will die," said one man, who gave his name only as Ali, as he attempted to shift the rubble with a spade.