US Secretary of State John Kerry and the White House on Sunday expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the devastating earthquake in Nepal and the neighbouring region including India. “We are working closely with the Government of Nepal to provide assistance and support,” Kerry said. The US Ambassador to Nepal has issued a disaster declaration in order to immediately release an initial $1 million for humanitarian assistance, he added.
USAID is preparing to deploy a Disaster Assistance Response Team and is activating an Urban Search and Rescue Team to accompany disaster experts and assist with assessments of the situation, he said. “To the people in Nepal and the region affected by this tragedy, we send our heartfelt sympathies. The United States stands with you during this difficult time,” Kerry said.
“The American people express deep condolences for the lives lost in today’s earthquake,” said the National Security Council Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan in a statement. The earthquake caused widespread damage and loss of life in Nepal, India and Bangladesh, Meehan added.