To address the aftermath of the devastating 7.0-magnitude earthquake in Al Haouz, Marrakech, the UK swiftly dispatched sixty search and rescue specialists, four search dogs, and rescue equipment, along with a medical assessment team on Sunday. They arrived on board two Royal Air Force A400M aircraft, provided by the UK’s Ministry of Defense.
The UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR), a disaster response organization that uses instruments such as seismic devices and concrete equipment, and The UK Emergency Medical Team (EMT) were both deployed for this rescue operation.
The UK EMT’s four-person medical team will assess the situation and collaborate with Moroccan authorities to assess existing healthcare capacity and the extent of the damage to manage healthcare needs and provide appropriate support.
UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly stated in a press release: “The UK is sending immediate support to Morocco including a team of 60 search and rescue specialists and four rescue dogs to assist with the rescue effort.”
He added, “I remain in contact with Foreign Minister Bourita and offer my deepest sympathies to the people of Morocco after this tragic event.”
UK Defense Secretary Grant Shapps highlighted the UK’s leading role in international search and rescue operations, saying, “This is a devastating time for the people of Morocco, particularly those with loved ones they have lost or are missing. . . . We stand firmly by Morocco as they get through this terrible event.”
The international community has rallied to Morocco’s aid, showing its support for the kingdom, and Morocco has welcomed all the expressions of solidarity from around the world.
Morocco is responding to relief offers in accordance with identified needs following a careful assessment of the situation in accordance with international standards, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday. The kingdom has so far accepted aid offers from Spain, Qatar, the UK and the UAE.
King Mohammed VI thanked all sister nations which have offered to dispatch humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the disaster-stricken people.
Marrakech and Al Haouz region were the hardest hit by the earthquake, and the king is expected to arrive in the ochre city on Monday. So far, the massive quake has claimed 2,122 lives and injured 2,421.
Morocco’s central bank, Bank Al Maghrib, opened a special bank account on Sunday to collect funds for disaster relief. Donations may be made at https://www.bkam.ma/.