Rescue workers have managed to save the lives of more than 1,000 inhabitants of Bam, who had been buried under rubbles in historical city of Bam, which was rocked by a strong earthquake early Friday morning, IRNA reported.

The team of rescue workers from Iran and 21 other countries saved the victims using sniffer dogs and sophisticated electronic instruments.

photo: ISNA

Deputy Interior Minister for Security and Disciplinary Affairs Ali-Asghar Ahmadi said 11,000 bodies had been recovered, of which 9,000 were buried and 2,000 others delivered to their bereaved families.

Ahmadi said 10,000 injured citizens were transferred to other cities for treatment, of whom 5,000 were hospitalized and others received outpatient medicare.

The official said there are 30,000 relief workers in Bam includign those dispatched by the police, the Islamic Republic Army, the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps, Basij and the Islamic Republic Red Crescent Society (RCS).

photo: ISNA

He said 16 truck-loads of medicare assistance and services have been dispatched to the quake-stricken regions.

He added that RCS has thus far transported 83,000 tents, 164,000 blankets, 198,000 canned food tins and other requirements to the area.

Ahmadi said 40 countries have so far pledged aid but assistance have been received from 27 countries.