1 minute
WASHINGTON, April 26, 2015 – The United States has sent an Air Force aircraft to Nepal to deliver personnel and cargo in support of disaster-relief operations, according to Pentagon spokesman Army Col. Steve Warren.
A magnitude-7.8 earthquake hit the country yesterday, reportedly leaving more than 4,200 dead and more than 7,000 injured. Thousands of people are currently reported to be without food, water or shelter.
"This morning at approximately 11:18 a.m., a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster departed from Dover Air Force Base bound for Nepal," Warren said in a statement released today. "The aircraft is transporting nearly 70 personnel, including a USAID Disaster Assistance Response Team, the Fairfax County Urban Search and Rescue team and several journalists, along with 45 square tons of cargo."