We visited Bam the day after the earthquake. We have the following important messages:
- The city is really completely destroyed, there is hardly a single house left.
- The main road which passes by the city is unaffected and travel from Kerman to Zahedan is no problem by car/motorbike or by public transport.
- Please do not visit Bam unless you are completely self-sufficient. There is no accomodation or food available for visitors.
- We spoke to Mr. Akhbar of Akhbar Tourist Guest House. The guesthouse is a big heap of rubble. Nine tourists were staying there when the earthquake happened. According to Mr. Akhbar one of them died; a British man of around 30 years named Gavin (or Kevin?) traveling on an Enfield, bought in Nepal, back to Europe. It is not sure whether his relatives know this. However, we could not verify Mr. Akhbars information anywhere. Anyone who knows Gavin is requested to take action to make sure it was really him, and to inform his relatives or his embassy.
- Mr. Akhbar and his family are relatively allright and is happy to receive any supporting words from his guests (if you can locate him between the mess that was once Bam).
- Pictures we took of the mess will be posted on our website on 29 december:
http://www.erwinvoogt.com/overland/bam.html

Thanks for your support and cooperation
Bastienne Wentzel
Erwin Voogt

Since the minute i heard about the earthquake i was thinking if Akhbar and his family is alright.

Its a little comforting to hear they are ok, althought what happened is a nightmare.

And you were also very lucky that you arrived the day after.

Hope the rest of the trip will without any occurence.

NBC Nightly News had him on tonight with a brief comment as did ABC's Nightline.

He said that he used to have a lot of neighbors but there's hardly anyone left. Sure breaks your heart.

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Gerry
PHX AZ USA

Hi,

I am very happy to hear that Mr. Akbar and his family are OK. I was very worried about them and had no way of finding out.

Thanks for the info.
Maybe we can organize a fund for him, since he has helped and suported many of us travelars.... Now we can do something back.

Any sugestions?

Maarten

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- www.maartensworld.com -
- Some photo's -

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maartensworld.com
beyond-anywhere.com

Unfortunately, its been confirmed.

Today i read in the newspapers that Gwen Sexton ( 38 - British ) lost his life in the earthquake. His body has been retrieved by the british rescue team who came as int.help.

And the chief of the team was also Gwens former chief.

we met the guy on the enfield the day we passed into pakistan, in the morning we said farewell to him as we rode east. i cannot remember his name but if it can be confirmed that gwen was on the enfield i would just like to send our condolences to his family and friends, he was looking forward so much to completing his trip home by motorcycle.