UAE Space Agency Supports Relief Efforts in Managing the Aftermath of the Morocco Earthquake
The team of the ‘Satellite Data Analysis Platform’ project, part of the ‘Space Data Center’ of the UAE Space Agency, in collaboration with ‘Bayanat,’ has contributed to providing several analytical reports. These reports were published on the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters website as part of international efforts to manage the aftermath of the recent earthquake in the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco.
ساهم فريق مشروع «منصة تحليل البيانات الفضائية» التي تندرج ضمن مشروع «مجمع البيانات الفضائية» وبالتعاون مع شركة «بيانات»، في تقديم عدد من تقارير التحليلات التي نُشرت عبر موقع الميثاق الدولي للفضاء والكوارث الكبرى كجزء من الجهود الدولية في إدارة أزمة زلزال دولة المغرب الشقيقة.
تلك… pic.twitter.com/hIDAlx94ma
— Sarah Al Amiri (@SarahAmiri1) September 17, 2023
This comes from the UAE Space Agency’s belief in the importance of international cooperation and humanitarian solidarity in facing natural disasters.
The reports generated by the ‘Satellite Data Analysis Platform project team, along with reports from several national and international space agencies and entities, have contributed to assessing the extent of damage caused by the earthquake.
Effective relief and rescue plans were developed, and the situation has been continuously monitored. These efforts serve as a vivid example of what can be achieved through the use of space technologies, as well as the role of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters as a vital tool for utilizing space technologies for the benefit of humanity in times of disasters.
Morocco Effectively Addresses Rumors Regarding the Earthquake Salem Buti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, stated that international cooperation in responding to natural disasters is an urgent necessity in facing the threats to humanity.
He emphasized that the utilization of the Satellite Data Analysis Platform project and the Space Data Center in international efforts to provide relief to the sisterly Kingdom of Morocco represents a model of the importance of this collaboration.
The reports from the platform have assisted the Moroccan authorities and rescue teams in assessing the extent of damage and planning relief operations efficiently and effectively.
According to a statement issued by the Moroccan Royal Court, 50,000 homes have completely or partially collapsed in the five affected regions due to the destructive earthquake that struck various areas in the country last week, resulting in 2,946 deaths and 5,674 injuries.
After the Earthquake The statement indicated that the Moroccan King, Mohammed VI, chaired a working meeting at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Thursday.
This meeting was dedicated to implementing the urgent program for housing the affected and taking care of the most affected categories of the Al Houz earthquake. This program had been the subject of royal instructions during the working session chaired by the King on September 9th.
The statement mentioned that the state will provide emergency assistance amounting to 30,000 dirhams for affected families. It is also planned to provide direct financial assistance of 140,000 dirhams for homes that have completely collapsed and 80,000 dirhams to cover rehabilitation works for homes that have partially collapsed.
In Geneva, the Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Coordinator of Emergency Relief, Martin Griffiths, stated yesterday that he expects Morocco to request assistance from the United Nations to support earthquake survivors. Griffiths mentioned, during a press conference, “Based on our discussions with Moroccan authorities, we expect and hope that they will request assistance within hours, and by that, I mean very soon.”
He affirmed that after receiving the green light from Morocco, the United Nations will be able to participate in assisting survivors. Griffiths said, “I am confident that these numbers are lower than the actual figures, but the authorities have reported them carefully.”
Griffiths did not criticize Morocco for not immediately requesting assistance from the United Nations, noting that “the first days after a sudden catastrophe always witness relative chaos.”
He stated that the initial phase “focuses on searching for survivors and those who did not survive.” Meanwhile, the next phase involves providing assistance to survivors and providing shelters, food, and medical equipment.
Griffiths added, “I hope that Morocco will transition from one phase to another.” He explained, “I have no criticism; we are ready to work and provide support in terms of coordination.”
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an appeal for more than $100 million to provide urgent needs for Morocco.
Benoît Sharlantier, a spokesperson for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, said that people need shelter, bedding, blankets, winter clothing. He made these remarks while speaking from Marrakech.
He added, “Storms are expected, and rain will fall next Tuesday, while people are still sleeping in the open air. In the coming weeks, temperatures will drop to zero or minus 10 in the mountains, and we must ensure a roof for all these people.”
