CRI听力: US Sends Rescue Teams to Haiti

The United States, which is not far from Haiti geographically, is among the first to dispatch rescue teams. US government officials say the US and other countries have begun to mobilize what is likely to become a massive humanitarian relief effort to deal with Haiti earthquake damage.

Our Washington correspondent shanshan has the story.

Rescuers are searching collapsed buildings for victims. Haitian official say the death toll could reach tens of thousands. According to the estimates of relief organizations, as many as 3 million people could be affected – about a third of the country's population.(www.hxen.net)

Roberta Jacobson, deputy assistant secretary for Western Hemisphere Affairs at the Department of State, says various government departments have been closely involved in the relief effort.

"We heard from President Obama earlier today that he has ordered and expects the US reponse to the tragedy in Haiti, to be aggressive, and to be comprehensive. So there is an extremely robust inter-agency under way. All elements of the US government are being mobilized to help and support both the US citizens in Haiti and the Haitian people."

Jacobson says the first search and rescue team from the US has arrived in Haiti.

"As we all know, the first 48 to 72 hours are really the only window you have for search and rescue so that is an extremely high priority. There will four US teams going in to do search and rescue. The Fairfax team is on the ground in Port-au-Prince now.The others will arrive in the next 24 hours. They come with large teams and equipment, the Fairfax team for example with 72 people plus equipment. And they have worked in many many situations such as this."

While search and rescue is going on, the US official says the most important thing to do at the moment is to assess the disaster-stricken area.

"The most important thing is the assessment, to try and get good information about what is realy needed, where it's needed and how soon. That will be taking place in the next 24 hours. coordination with other donors will probably pick up dramatically after we all have better access from the UN, from our disaster and assistance team. And there are a couple of other countries that are sending evaluation teams as well."

US deputy assistant sectary of state Roberta Jacobson says, the first cargo plane carrying part of a U.S. military assessment team has arrived. A P-3 Orion reconnaissance plane is being used to create a more accurate picture of the devastation.

The US Coast Guard has deployed a number of cutters that were already in the region. The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson is expected to reach Haiti by Thursday afternoon, after loading up with relief supplies. A number of other ships, including the Comfort hospital ship and a group of amphibious ships with a US Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard, are on standby and may leave for Haiti in the next few days.

SS, CRI news, Washington.