Sixty United Kingdom search and rescue specialists, 4 search dogs and rescue equipment have been deployed to Morocco following the devastating magnitude earthquake that claimed lives and properties on Friday night.
According to the Ministry of Defence on Sunday, these UK emergency response team was deployed via 2 Royal air Force A400M aircraft provided the Ministry with rescue equipment, as well as a medical assessment team.
Foreign Secretary James Cleverly who confirmed this said: the UK is sending immediate support to Morocco including a team of 60 search and rescue specialists and 4 rescue dogs to assist with the rescue effort.
“I remain in contact with Foreign Minister Bourita and offer my deepest sympathies to the people of Morocco after this tragic event”, Secretary Cleverly added.
Also, the Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps in his reaction to this development said: “This is a devastating time for the people of Morocco, particularly those with loved ones they have lost or are missing.
Adding that the UK has taken a leading role in the international effort to enhance search and rescue operations moving quickly to deploy unique strategic airlift capabilities, expert personnel and aid. “We stand firmly by Morocco as they get through this terrible event”.
This UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR) respond to disasters on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office have specialist search equipment like seismic listening devices, concrete cutting, breaking equipment, propping and shoring tools.
The specialist kit gives the team the capacity to lift, cut and remove concrete and rubble to reach people under collapsed buildings.
The UK Emergency Medical Team (EMT) is deploying a 4-person British medical assessment team to assess the situation on the ground and coordinate with Moroccan authorities.
Following a large-scale natural disaster, it is crucial to assess existing healthcare capacity and the extent of damage to manage healthcare needs and provide support appropriately.
Meanwhile, this is the most powerful earthquake to hit Morocco in century which struck late Friday night, leaving more than 2,000 people dead and over 2,000 injured — with initial reports indicating more than 300,000 people have been affected.