Members of the Spanish rescue team have highlighted the "great logistical effort" of the Moroccan authorities to help the victims of the recent earthquake, which caused nearly 3,000 deaths. In statements reported by El Faro de Ceuta, the rescuers who took part in the search operations also praised the "professionalism" of the Kingdom's authorities.
🇲🇦⛑️| L’impressionnant camp humanitaire des Forces Armées Royales à Amizmiz, près de l’épicentre du tremblement de terre d’Al Haouz.
— Morocco Intelligence (@MoroccoIntel) September 15, 2023
pic.twitter.com/0bkw8SsVq8
The Spanish rescuers arrived in Zaragoza on Saturday after participating with their Moroccan counterparts in the search operations in the provinces affected by the earthquake. On their return, the members of the rescue teams spoke to the press about the situation on the ground, as well as the professionalism of the Moroccan teams and the coordination in carrying out the operations.
In this regard, the head of the expedition, Enrique Mur, underlined the actions of the Moroccan authorities to ensure the smooth running of the rescue operations and the search for survivors. In Morocco, Mur had a team of eight members, including firefighters and medical staff, as well as several dogs specialised in searching for people.
Other rescue teams sent by Spain, specifically the Military Emergency Unit (UME), are continuing their work in the areas affected by the earthquake. King Mohammed VI thanked this contingent for its efforts, highlighting its "active and effective participation".
For her part, the Spanish Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, praised the logistical support provided by the Royal Armed Forces (FAR) to the Spanish rescue teams so that they could carry out their work in the best possible conditions. In particular, Robles highlighted the mobilisation of FAR helicopters to transport Spanish rescuers to areas that were difficult to access, as well as the collaboration between the Moroccan authorities and the Spanish teams to offer the necessary support to the people affected by the devastating earthquake.
مشاركة أفراد مجموعة القوات الخاصة MSOF/GFS للقوات المسلحة الملكية بعمليات الاغاثة المعقدة بالمناطق الجبلية الوعرة. pic.twitter.com/lCSVBmJpuF
— Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (@MoroccanArmed) September 16, 2023
"The Spanish rescuers, in particular those of the UME, will remain in Morocco for as long as necessary," added the minister, who also indicated that the Spanish search teams were delighted with the hospitality and support of the local population.
El equipo #SPUSARUME desplegado en #TerremotoMarruecos ha colaborado hoy en las labores de búsqueda de posibles supervivientes una aldea de Talat N'Yaaqoub.
— UME (@UMEgob) September 12, 2023
Seguimos buscando vida✨️ pic.twitter.com/XL8QF9viDW
The FAR has played a key role in the search and rescue work in the areas affected by the earthquake. In collaboration with other security forces and local authorities, the FAR has deployed all its logistical resources for these operations.
ثلاث نيعقوب-وحدة الاغاثة والانقاذ USS للهندسة العسكرية التابعة للقوات المسلحة الملكية، جندت مختلف مكوانتها البشرية والتقنية واللوجيستية، منذ الساعات الأولى للهزة الأرضية القوية التي عرفتها بلادنا قبل أسبوع. pic.twitter.com/HOkNsAMrZ2
— Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (@MoroccanArmed) September 16, 2023
They have also been responsible for distributing food and assistance to the injured. In this regard, it should be noted that the FAR set up a medical and surgical field hospital in less than 48 hours in Ansi, a rural town in the High Atlas, one of the areas hardest hit by the earthquake. Also, in the municipality of Tizi N'Test, members of the forces distributed tents to people whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake.
