Following a devastating 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation of Haiti on August 14, 2021, U.S.-based task force USA-1 (Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department) has deployed to assist with search and rescue operations, including four canine disaster search teams.
Among the two- and four-legged rescuers is an SDF-trained team, but per the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) request, we are not releasing individual team member information.
Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster and we send our thoughts to all those responding to help rescue efforts in the wake of this tragedy.
As more information regarding this deployment becomes available*, we will update this page below:
AUGUST 16, 2021
The team assessed the area near Les Cayes via United States Coast Guard helicopters as well as began search and rescue operations on the ground.
AUGUST 15, 2021
USA-1 boarded their aircraft as a part of the USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART). Hours later, they arrived in Haiti and began to prepare for operations.
*Photos and information courtesy of VA-TF1/USAID