'Iran offers to send aid to Sandy victims in NY'

Aid workers ready to fly to those affected by hurricane, Fars reports; State Department tells 'NY Times' no official offer made.

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Rescue worker carries girl to safety from flood waters (photo credit: REUTERS/ Adam Hunger )
Rescue worker carries girl to safety from flood waters
(photo credit: REUTERS/ Adam Hunger )
Iranian aid workers are ready to fly from Tehran to New York City to provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Sandy, semi-official Fars News Agency reported on Wednesday.
"Iran's Red Crescent is prepared to help the victims in the US," Mahmud Mozaffar, The Head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society's Relief and Rescue Organization, told Fars News Agency.
Mozaffar stressed the preparedness of Iran's Red Crescent, stating: "Given its ample experience in rescuing storms and floods victims, Iran's Red Crescent can provide relief assistance for those affected in New York," Fars quoted him as saying.
According to Fars, Mozaffar added that the society would dispatch its aid and rescue teams, as well as equipments to US cities in need once US officials accept Iran’s offer of assistance.
The offer of assistance may come in response to the United States after they offered aid to Iran after the country was ravaged by two earthquakes that killed nearly 300 people and injured around 5,000 in August of this year.
"We stand ready to offer assistance in this difficult time," the White House said.
However, The New York Times quoted Mark C. Toner, a spokesman for the State Department as saying they have received no official offer from Iran.
“We have seen reports in the media, but at this time have received no official offer of assistance from the Iranian government or any Iranian entity,” Toner said.
North American deaths from Sandy, the massive storm that tore through the US East Coast, rose to at least 76 on Thursday as deaths reported in New York City jumped substantially.
The storm, at one point extending 1,000 miles (1,609 km) in diameter, has wound down into a broad weather system that is making its way north into Canada. It knocked out power for millions and crippled transportation systems along the densely populated coastal region. The last of its effect are being felt over the Appalachian mountains.
Reuters contributed to this report.