Which team should be mobilized to manage the deceased in an earthquake zone?

The Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams (DMORTs) are specifically trained and equipped to handle the management of deceased individuals in disaster situations, including earthquakes. Their mission encompasses a variety of responsibilities such as recovering, identifying, and preparing deceased victims for burial or cremation while ensuring that all procedures adhere to legal and ethical standards. DMORTs work in coordination with local and state authorities to provide critical support in dealing with the surge in fatalities that can occur after a disaster, helping to maintain dignity for the deceased and provide closure for their families.

Other teams mentioned, such as the Disaster Response Team, primarily focus on immediate rescue and recovery operations, while the Search and Rescue Team is dedicated to locating and rescuing survivors. The Emergency Management Agency generally oversees the overall disaster response efforts but does not specialize in the management of deceased individuals. Thus, DMORTs are uniquely suited for this crucial task in the aftermath of an earthquake.