The department sent a disaster assistance response team to coordinate and support the emergency response.
The State Department announced that the United States mobilized assistance to immediately respond to the 7.7 and 6.6 magnitude earthquakes that occurred in Panama late last week.
State Department Spokesman Tommy Pigott said, “The State Department deployed Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) technical teams to conduct expert structural assessments of damage and potential immediate assistance needs at the request of the Panamanian government. Department of War teams are assisting with the response through the U.S.-Panama Bilateral Security Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).”
He added that a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) was coordinating and supporting the emergency response and that humanitarian assistance funding was being provided. The U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) also offered logistical support.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Rubio as he oversees disaster assistance mobilization from the State Department.
- For Ambassador Kevin Cabrera as he liaises with Panamanian officials and coordinates the U.S. response.
Sources: State Department, CBS News, NY Times
