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.
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.”