The U.S. Department of State has activated a support team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s (LACoFD) international Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team, known as USA-2, to respond to the devastating 7.4 earthquake that hit Colombia on Aug. 10.
The 10-member USA-2 support team consists of seven LACoFD members and three Department of Public Works structural specialists. The team deployed to Colombia on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 8 a.m. from LA International Airport.
The USA-2 support team will assist with search and rescue coordination, conduct structural engineering assessments and provide technical expertise to Colombian authorities.
“We thank the Department of State for entrusting our elite team with this mission during this time of great need for the people of Colombia,” said LACoFD Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this devastating earthquake.”
The deployment is expected to continue until the team is demobilized by the State Department. Daily communication will be maintained with the USA-2 support team members throughout their deployment.