The United States is sending emergency aid to Nepal after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the country April 25, killing or injuring thousands.
Secretary of State John Kerry said on April 27 that the United States is coordinating with local authorities to help in relief efforts.
“The international community has mobilized a massive relief effort, and USAID has deployed a disaster assistance response team,” Kerry said. “We are activating additional urban search-and-rescue team members in order to accompany disaster experts and assist with assessments of the situation.”
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) said in a statement that the earthquake affected 6.6 million people.
Reports on April 27 indicated the death toll was approaching 4,000.
“USAID is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to the region and is providing an initial $1 million in emergency assistance as we assess humanitarian needs in cooperation with the Government of Nepal,” USAID said, adding it also is activating an urban search and rescue team to accompany disaster experts.
On April 27, USAID announced an additional $9 million in assistance for the Nepal earthquake response and recovery efforts.
Pentagon spokesman Steve Warren said the U.S. military is assisting USAID and American relief workers by providing transportation to Nepal with a C-17 Globemaster aircraft.
“The aircraft is transporting nearly 70 personnel, including a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team, the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and several journalists,” Warren said. It is also carrying 45 tons of relief supplies and other cargo.
Even if you’re not among the Americans and other relief workers from around the world rushing to Nepal, you can still assist the mountain nation in its time of need.
See the USAID website for a list of relief agencies working to help the Nepalese people.