Va. Task Force 2 headed to Haiti

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The world is responding to Haiti's cry for help, but for many it may seem help can't come fast enough after Tuesday's massive earthquake in Haiti.

The death toll could reach the tens of thousands or even into the hundreds of thousands. Dazed survivors are wandering past bodies in rubble-strewn streets, and crying for loved ones as rescuers continue searching for victims in collapsed buildings.

Some of the injured are being treated in open areas such as parking lots. The Red Cross says it's run out of medical supplies. The first cargo planes with food, water, medical supplies, shelter and sniffer dogs are already on scene. And more help from Hampton Roads is on the way right now.

FEMA's Virginia Task Force 2 (VA-2) has been activated for deployment to Haiti. The Task Force deployed from Naval Air Station Norfolk at 8 a.m. on Thursday. Their mission will be to locate and rescue anyone who may be entombed in collapsed buildings in the City of Port-au-Prince Haiti.

This is the first International deployment for VA-2. The Task Force is composed of members from Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, James City County, York County, and Naval Regional Fire Departments.

VA-2 also deploys with several civilian personnel occupations including Emergency Room Physicians, Structural Engineers, Veterinarian, and Canine Search Handlers.

VA-2 is expected to be deployed for 7 to 10 days.