Obama Pledges ‘Unwavering Support,’ Calls for ‘Swift, Coordinated, and Aggressive’ Efforts in Haiti

ABC News' Sunlen Miller reports: Appearing in the Diplomatic Reception Room with Vice President Joe Biden by his side, President Obama today called for a “swift, coordinated, and aggressive” effort to save lives in Haiti following last night’s 7.0 magnitude earthquake, and pledged “unwavering support” to the people in the devastated country. “I want to extend to the people of Haiti the deep condolences and unwavering support of the American people following yesterday's terrible earthquake,” Mr. Obama said, “Indeed, for a country and a people who are no strangers to hardship and suffering, this tragedy seems especially cruel and incomprehensible.” Working with the USAID, the Departments of State and Defense, and partners in Haiti and around the world, the president said the administration is focused on several urgent priorities that need immediate assistance. “We're working quickly to account for U.S. Embassy personnel and their families in Port-au-Prince as well as the many American citizens who live and work in Haiti,” the president said. The State Department says there are estimated to be between 40,000-45,000 U.S. citizens in Haiti. The president instructed those who are trying to locate family members contact the State Department at 888-407-4747. Secondly, the administration is focused on mobilizing resources to help rescue efforts. “Military overflights have assessed the damage and by early afternoon our civilian disaster assistance team are beginning to arrive. Search and rescue teams from Florida, Virginia and California will arrive throughout today and tomorrow, and more rescue and medical equipment and emergency personnel are being prepared.” The president said that in disasters such as this, the first hours and days are “absolutely critical” to saving lives, and has directed his team to be as “forward-leaning as possible,” in getting help to the ground. Third, the administration, Mr. Obama said, is taking steps to make sure that the government acts in a unified way. “My national security team has led an interagency effort overnight. And to ensure that we coordinate our effort going forward, I've designated the administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development, Dr. Raj Shah, to be our government's unified disaster coordinator.” Noting that the rescue and recovery effort will be “complex and challenging,” the president said that “we must be prepared for difficult hours and days ahead as we learn about the scope of the tragedy.” “We will be resolute in our response. And I pledge to the people of Haiti that you will have a friend and partner in the United States of America today and going forward.” The president has received four briefings since last night’s earthquake – two this morning, and two last night – to coordinate assistance. Mr. Obama cancelled a previously scheduled event in Lanham, Maryland this afternoon, which was expected to focus on creating green jobs. — Sunlen Miller