Today, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is deploying a Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to Mexico in response to urgent humanitarian needs caused by the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck on September 19.

The USAID DART, an elite team of disaster experts, will support the Government of Mexico by conducting damage assessments and coordinating with local authorities and aid groups to bring critical assistance to local people.

The DART comprises experts from USAID's Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance and an urban search-and-rescue team from the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

USAID is deploying the DART following a formal request for assistance by the Government of Mexico. The United States remains committed to helping our neighbors during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Mexico.