The Emergency Situations Ministry has offered to assist the U.S. in dealing with the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck the state of Oklahoma on Monday, causing massive damage and claiming the lives of nearly 100.
Emergency Situations Minister Vladimir Puchkov said the ministry had sent its offer to FEMA, the U.S. emergency management agency, and was currently awaiting a response.
"If the answer is positive, we will react quickly and efficiently," Puchkov told journalists on Tuesday, Interfax reported.
President Barack Obama has declared the state of Oklahoma a disaster zone, according to The Associated Press. The tornado, which was reportedly a mile wide, wiped out entire neighborhoods.
CNN put the death toll at 91 as of Monday night, and there were at least 145 injuries reported by local hospitals, according to the New York Times.
This is not the first time Russia has offered to assist the U.S. in the wake of a natural disaster. Last year, Puchkov said, the Emergency Situations Ministry sent more than 70 tons of humanitarian aid to the U.S. to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.
"And that [assistance] served as just another contribution to the development of relations between the emergency services of Russia and the U.S. and the strengthening of good, warm, friendly ties," Puchkov said.
