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White House: Trump Is Sending Rescue Teams To Mexico After Earthquake

JONATHAN UTZ/AFP/Getty Images

Alex Pfeiffer White House Correspondent
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American search-and-rescue teams are being deployed to Mexico after President Trump offered assistance to Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto following a massive earthquake, the White House announced Wednesday.

The president spoke to Mexican President Pena Nieto Wednesday pledged to closely coordinate with the Mexican government’s relief efforts.

A huge 7.1 magnitude earthquake struck Mexico Tuesday. The quake has led to at least 200 deaths and destroyed at least 44 buildings.

Rescuers, firefighters, policemen, soldiers and volunteers search for survivors in a flattened building in Mexico City on September 20, 2017 a day after a strong quake hit central Mexico.
A powerful 7.1 earthquake shook Mexico City on Tuesday, causing panic among the megalopolis’ 20 million inhabitants on the 32nd anniversary of a devastating 1985 quake. YURI CORTEZ/AFP/Getty Images

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO - SEPTEMBER 19: Rescuers work in the rubble after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on September 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. The earthquake caused multiple fatalities, destroyed buildings and knocked out power throughout the capital. (Photo by Rafael S. Fabres/Getty Images)

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – SEPTEMBER 19: Rescuers work in the rubble after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on September 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico. The earthquake caused multiple fatalities, destroyed buildings and knocked out power throughout the capital. (Photo by Rafael S. Fabres/Getty Images)

U.S. Agency for International Development spokesman Clayton McCleaskey also addressed the plans to deploy a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) in a Wednesday statement.

“The USAID DART, an elite team of disaster experts, will support the Government of Mexico by conducting damage assessments and coordinating with local authorities and aid groups to bring critical assistance to local people,” McCleaskey explained. “The DART comprises experts from USAID’s Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and an urban search-and-rescue team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.”

“USAID is deploying the DART following a formal request for assistance by the Government of Mexico. The United States remains committed to helping our neighbors during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Mexico.”