US sending disaster response team, $1 million aid to Nepal

WASHINGTON - The United States is sending a disaster response team and $1 million in aid to Nepal following a devastating earthquake felt in neighboring countries.

The White House and Secretary of State John Kerry are offering condolences along with pledging the support.

The magnitude 8.1 earthquake outside the capital Kathmandu killed more than 1,000 people in Nepal, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. It also toppled buildings and triggered an avalanche on Mount Qomolangma.

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 US stands ready to provide further assistance in the region.