Spain sends rescuers to Morocco as at least 2,122 people killed in devastating earthquake

Spain has sent 56 rescuers, and four search dogs in an A400 military plane to provide assistance to Morocco as a powerful earthquake killed over 2,000 people and injured over 2,000, many of them critically. Madrid scrambled to send help to Rabat after receiving a formal request. The plane flew out of a base in the northeastern city of Zaragoza in Spain earlier yesterday with the team bound for Marrakesh. Spanish personnel will "help in the search and rescue of survivors of the devastating earthquake suffered in our neighbouring country," the defence ministry said in a statement published on September 10. 

Spain is also planning to send another plane with a rescue team run by the regional government of Madrid to help in the rescue operation in devastated Morocco, Defence Minister Margarita Robles said in an interview with Spanish public television."We will send whatever is needed because everyone knows that these first hours are key, especially if there are people buried under rubble," she was quoted as saying. The rescue teams that have been sent to Morocco comprise the teams that belong to Spain's Military Emergencies Unit (UME). This is a body in the Spanish armed forces that is tasked with responding to emergency situations like forest fires, floods and earthquakes. 

At a time when most children and families would have been at home asleep, a powerful earthquake struck Morocco this weekend, reportedly killing more than 2,000 people in different regions of the kingdom, injuring over 2,000 more – many of whom remain in critical condition.

— UNICEF (@UNICEF) September 10, 2023

I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco.

The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment. And, my Administration is ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people.

— President Biden (@POTUS) September 9, 2023

A terrifying moment of collapse captured by the security camera 😳.Pray for the victims of earthquake in Morocco 🤲🙏.#Morocco #earthquake #moroccoearthquake #thunderstorm #MaleSuicides #moyolawal #INDvsPAK #ViratKohli #Terremoto pic.twitter.com/YPTYyaYC23

— Syed Aamir Rizvi 🇮🇳 (@a_amir4U) September 11, 2023

Tonight, City Hall is lit in red and green to remember the lives lost in the recent #Morocco earthquakes. Our city extends our prayers to those affected during this time. pic.twitter.com/WNL3a0alXa

— Sylvester Turner (@SylvesterTurner) September 11, 2023

The Spanish defence ministry said that the rescuers are equipped with tools that will help in drilling reinforced concrete to find those buried under the rubble after the earthquake. It will also help in detecting any explosive or hazardous substances to ensure safety around the regions, the defence ministry of Spain noted. Spain's UME teams have previously been sent to Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Nepal and most recently Turkey as the powerful earthquake wreaked havoc within the country, as well as neighbouring Syria. In the Turkish region, the Spanish personnel rescued six people, including a mother and two children as they conducted the search and rescue operation. 

'It will be as much aid as Morocco needs'

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares, at a conference, noted that Madrid resorted to sending Morocco help after the country asked for help. "It is a sign of Spanish solidarity and of the sense of friendship which unites the people of Spain with the people of Morocco," he said in an interview with Catalunya Radio. Albares said that he was personally called by his Moroccan counterpart who gave the account of the devastating calamity, as well as requested aid on Sunday. 

"It will be as much aid as Morocco needs, at first what we are setting in motion are search and rescue teams because it is urgent to try to find the greatest number of people alive to save them. When it is time for reconstruction, Spanish aid will also be present," Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said. 

Our team in Morocco left Marrakech earlier today and headed up to the mountain villages in the region of Tizi Ouaddou where rescue teams haven't reached yet. They found devastation but also a lot of resilient and strong people. #MoroccoEarthquake #UnityInAction #AngelsinOrange pic.twitter.com/B9Y4zstEG9

— United Hatzalah (@UnitedHatzalah) September 10, 2023

Jerusalem stands with Morocco 🇮🇱🇲🇦

Our capital’s Chords Bridge is lit up tonight in solidarity with the people of Morocco.

Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion: We send from our capital Jerusalem our condolences and prayers for those affected by the earthquake and our wishes for a speedy… pic.twitter.com/YyKHkHLUie

— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) September 10, 2023

Update on Morocco earthquake:

🛫 Sixty UK search and rescue specialists, four search dogs and rescue equipment will be deployed to Morocco to assist with Moroccan-led rescue efforts.

🇬🇧🇲🇦 Morocco can count on the UK’s support. pic.twitter.com/WIp0BDoGi5

— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) September 10, 2023

Several countries including India, the United States and France have pledged to send humanitarian aid to Morocco. Countries worldwide, including India, have expressed solidarity with the Moroccans and have said that they stand ready to help. As per the procedures, Morocco would first need to formally request assistance before the foreign crews are deployed on their territory. "India ready to offer all possible assistance to earthquake-hit Morocco," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while hosting the key G20 Summit here in New Delhi.

The UK said that it is sending sixty search and rescue specialists, four search dogs and rescue equipment to conduct rescue operations. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita and expressed condolences. 

.@SecBlinken spoke with Moroccan Foreign Minister Bourita @MarocDiplomatie today to extend his deepest condolences over Friday’s devastating earthquake. The United States stands ready to support Morocco's leadership as it aids the victims of this tragedy. https://t.co/zkAdZGyOEG

— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) September 10, 2023

I spoke with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita @MarocDiplomatie today to extend our deepest condolences over Friday’s devastating earthquake. The United States stands ready to support Morocco's leadership to aid the victims of this tragedy.

— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) September 10, 2023

Two RAF A400M Atlas are transporting UK search & rescue teams to Morocco🇲🇦 following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake.

The teams include 60 search & rescue specialists, a medical assessment team, four search dogs and rescue equipment.

Find out more 👉 https://t.co/CQVq77BdVR pic.twitter.com/EqkVu6Rpmb

— Royal Air Force (@RoyalAirForce) September 10, 2023

Pope Francis on Sunday praised the rescuers and prayed for the safety of the people. France stressed that it's ready to pitch in and send assistance at the behest of Moroccan officials. “I pray for the injured, for those who have lost their lives, so many of them, and for their relatives,” Pope Francis was reported saying in St. Peter’s Square. According to the estimates put out by the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, the quake-related death toll stands at 2,122, and the number of injured is 2,421.