WASHINGTON — The United States is sending a disaster response team and $1 million in aid to Nepal following a devastating earthquake.
The White House and Secretary of State John Kerry are offering condolences along with pledging the support.
Nepal’s Home Ministry says the death toll from Saturday’s devastating magnitude 7.8 quake outside the capital, Kathmandu, has reached at least 1,805.
The latest toll puts the overall regional fatalities at 1,865, including 60 in neighboring countries.
Home Ministry official Laxmi Dhakal said that at least 4,718 others were injured. The numbers are likely to rise as rescuers resume their search in the daytime and reach more places, Home Ministry spokesman Krishna Wagla said.
Kerry says in a statement that the United States stands with the people of Nepal and sends heartfelt sympathies.
He says USAID is preparing to deploy the disaster assistance response team and is activating an urban search and rescue team.
National Security Council spokeswoman Bernadette Meehan says the U.S. stands ready to provide further assistance in the region.
