“On behalf of the faculty and staff of Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies, I’d like to express our condolences to those affected by the earthquake in South Asia,” said retired Lt. Gen. Ed Smith, director of the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies.

The U.S. Department of Defense is working closely with the State Department, and affected governments, to provide assistance to ease the suffering and assist in search and rescue operations.

“We at the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies are very distressed to learn of the extensive tragic suffering caused by this terrible earthquake event. Our prayers go with those who have lost loved ones in the terrible situation.”