An urban search and rescue team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department was staged and ready to deploy Wednesday to Colombia, which was ravaged by a deadly earthquake this week.
The department’s USA2 urban search and rescue team has been mobilized and is awaiting marching orders, with equipment gathered and plans in place to assist in the devastated South American nation when requested, a public information officer said.
Colombia was struck with a magnitude-7.4 earthquake Monday, with hundreds killed and thousands missing.
The size of contingents sent to quake-hit areas depends on what’s requested and the fire department spokesman declined to speculate on how many team members would be sent.
The team expects to be deployed, a department spokeswoman said, but had not yet received precise marching orders.
Members of the department ‘s USA2 team were deployed to Venezuela on June 25 to assist in search operations following a pair of earthquakes that obliterated portions of the country’s central region. Highly specialized search and rescue K-9s are also part of the team and may be deployed also. The K-9s the LACoFD took to Venezuela to help in rescue and recovery after the devastating June 24 earthquake were honored with medals for their work when they returned to Los Angeles.
It’s impressive to see the USA2 urban search and rescue team on standby. The magnitude-7.4 earthquake in Colombia is devastating, and having trained professionals ready to help makes a significant difference. related tool
It’s reassuring to know that the USA2 team is poised to lend aid in Colombia after such a catastrophic earthquake. The preparation and quick response of the Los Angeles County Fire Department truly highlight the importance of emergency readiness during crises like this. this one