Rescue

L.A. County USAR Team Sent to New Zealand

Feb. 22, 2011

So far, 65 people have been declared dead following the 6.3-magnitude quake, but that number is expected to rise considerably with officials saying that at least 100 more people are missing.

Rescue workers sift through the debris of a collapsed building after an earthquake rocked Christchurch, New Zealand.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department's USAR team is assisting with search and rescue efforts following a destructive earthquake in New Zealand.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has sent the team following a request by the New Zealand government, according to a press release.

More than 70 members of the USAR team, along with necessary equipment to make live rescues will be sent to the country.

So far, 65 people have been declared dead following the 6.3-magnitude quake, but that number is expected to rise considerably with officials saying that at least 100 more people are missing, according to the Associated Press.

Firehouse.com will provide more details on this story as they become available.