WEST Devon rescue charity Rapid UK is on standby to respond to the disaster scene in American following terrorism attacks in New York and Washington on Tuesday.
Director Graham Payne said a team was ready to go — it was just waiting on the word from America.
'Obviously there is still nothing happening as far as flights are concerned but we have been asked to stay on standby as long as we can,' he said.
As soon as the news broke on Tuesday, Mr Payne made attempts to call the White House and American Embassy and finally got through to the Commonwealth Office to offer assistance.
Thousands of people are suspected dead after two hijacked planes crashed into the twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, causing the buildings to collapse.
In the worst terrorism attack America has ever seen, a further plane ploughed into the Pentagon in Washington and another crashed 80 miles south of Pittsburgh.
All airports in the US have been closed, flights grounded and borders sealed. Security has also been stepped up at British airports, army, naval and air force bases.
Graham Payne said the chances of finding anyone alive amongst the rubble of the World Trade Centre were pretty remote but rescuers believed there may be survivors from adjacent buildings which received damage.
'When the buildings collapsed they went straight down rather than to the side — so finding people alive may be difficult, plus there were also fires,' he said.
'The Department of International Development have asked us to be part of an international rescue team and we are just waiting on America to get the go-ahead.'
l Yesterday a message of deep sympathy and support was sent to the President and people of the United States via the American Ambassador in London on behalf of the County and people of Devon.
Chairman of Devon County Council, Sir Simon Day said: 'The terrorists' actions in New York and Washington were not just an attack on America but on freedom, democracy and civilisation all over the world.'
l Sir Ray Tindle, owner of Tindle Newspapers, which includes the Okehampton Times, has sent a message of condolence to our sister paper, the Idyllwild Town Crier, in California.
'I want you to know of the enormous wave of sympathy here for your country over the dreadful attack upon New York and Washington,' said Sir Ray.
'Please tell your colleagues of our deep sympathy and concern and anger on your behalf. We stand firmly with you.'