A 35-member rescue team from China has arrived in the North Sumatra capital of Medan to join the international relief efforts in Aceh province where more than 80,000 people were killed in earthquake-triggered tsunami.

Team head Zhao Heping told reporters Friday his men had been stranded in Medan for 6 hours due to the chaotic flight schedules between Medan and the neighboring Aceh.

Departed from Beijing Thursday, the team comprises medical workers, rescue crews and geologists, he said, claiming that they have first hand experience in helping earthquake victims in China and Algeria.

The team brings seven tons of medical equipment that can give medical treatment to 1,000 people, he said.

North Sumatra government spokesman Eddy Sofyan said the Chinese rescue team is expected to fly for Aceh Friday evening.

Source: Xinhua