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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Fairfax County VATF1 Team Arrives in Panama for Earthquake Relief
A ten-person crew from the Fairfax County Urban Search & Rescue, also known as the VA-TF1/USA-01, has landed in Panama to assist in disaster response after a series of powerful earthquakes struck the country. The team was deployed to support emergency efforts as Panama faces a state of emergency following the natural disaster.
Powerful Earthquakes Plunge Panama into Crisis
On Friday, Panama was hit by two significant earthquakes, which were followed by aftershocks on Saturday. The seismic activity caused widespread disruption and prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency. The situation required urgent international support to aid in response and recovery operations.
State Department Mobilization of Emergency Response Teams
In response to the crisis, the Trump administration’s State Department mobilized two emergency response teams. These included the Fairfax County VATF1 team and an additional ten-person team from Los Angeles. Both teams were tasked with providing critical assistance in areas severely affected by the earthquakes.
Role of the Fairfax County Search and Rescue Crew
According to updates shared by VATF1 on social media, the USA-01 crew landed in Panama within 18 hours of the initial quake and immediately began their assistance efforts. "Within 18 hours of the earthquake in Panama, the members of USA-01 were on the ground and beginning to assist," the team stated, alongside photos of crew members on the airfield after arriving.
Tasks and Responsibilities in Panama
The Fairfax County search and rescue crew is set to support disaster response in various ways. The VATF1 team will serve as a disaster coordination and structural engineering assessment group. Their expertise will help local authorities better understand the impact of the earthquakes on Panama's infrastructure and guide rescue and relief operations.
Sustained International Disaster Aid Efforts
This deployment highlights the ongoing international disaster aid and collaboration efforts in response to natural disasters worldwide. By sending specialized teams like VATF1, the United States contributes expertise in urban search and rescue and disaster management, playing an essential part in post-earthquake relief operations.
Source: dcnewsnow.com.
