U.S. promises swift aid to Turkey and Syria after deadly earthquake

The U.S. response “is already underway,” Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday. “We are determined to do all that we can to help those affected by these earthquakes in the days, weeks, and months ahead.”

Late Sunday evening, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said the White House was “profoundly concerned” by initial reports of the devastation caused by the quake, adding that the U.S. was “ready to provide any and all needed assistance,” to the region.

“President Biden has directed USAID and other federal government partners to assess U.S. response options to help those most affected,” Sullivan said in a statement. “We will continue to closely monitor the situation in coordination with the Government of Turkiye.”

The earthquake was felt as far away as Cairo, and impacted a swath of land stretching from Aleppo in Syria to Diyarbakir in Turkey, according to The Associated Press.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries pledged to work with the White House to deliver aid to the region.

“House Democrats will work with President Biden and the administration to provide the support and assistance of USAID as a complete response is assessed, and I will work with my colleagues on all levels of government to extend additional help during this time of urgent need. My prayers are with all affected by this tremendous and tragic loss of life,” Jeffries said in a statement Monday.