UAE Space Agency helps international relief efforts in Morocco after earthquake

Data from agency used in rescue operations in aftermath of disaster

The earthquake in Morocco is estimated to have killed at least 3,000 people. AFP

The UAE Space Agency contributed to analytic reports that were sent to assess the extent of the damage caused by the earthquake in Morocco last week.

The report was submitted to the International Charter for Space and Disasters and included information on the extent of damage caused by the earthquake, planning rescue and relief operations, and monitoring the situation after the disaster.

A team from the UAE Space Data Centre, in co-operation with Bayanat, contributed to the submission of analytical reports to the International Charter for Space and Disasters. Photo: UAE Space Agency

The earthquake in Morocco is estimated so far to have claimed the lives of about 3,000 people.

"Natural disasters know no borders. International co-operation is essential to assist in disaster management as it requires immediate co-ordinated responses among stakeholders, regionally and globally," said Salem Al Qubaisi, director general of the UAE Space Agency.

"Utilising the geospatial analytics platform of the Space Data Centre in international relief efforts for Morocco shows the importance of this co-operation.

"The platform’s reports enabled Moroccan authorities and rescue teams to assess the extent of the damage and plan relief operations efficiently and effectively.

This was part of the data on the earthquake that was shared by the UAESA.

“The use of space data and technologies is crucial to reducing the impact of disasters. Time and careful co-ordination based on data and analysis can contribute to saving lives."

The International Charter for Space and Disasters is made up of 17 space agencies from around the world who share satellite data to help with the response to disasters around the world.

The UAE, represented by the agency, was the first Arab and Islamic country to become a member of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters.

The agency also signed a deal with data and insights company Planet Labs to build a satellite-data-driven loss-and-damage atlas for global climate resilience.

People displaced by the earthquake sit with their belongings by the side of the road between Marrakesh and Taroudant in the Atlas mountains. AFP

A makeshift camp is set up in the open. AFP

A car is crushed by rubble in the aftermath of the earthquake. AFP

Children play football beside the rubble of collapsed homes in the village of Afella Igir in the Amizmiz region of Morocco. AFP

Chickens peck for food at an abandoned home in Afella Igir. AFP

Not much sign of life in Afella Igir. AFP

The Moroccan Army on hand in the village of Talat N'Yaaqoub, south of Marrakesh, as the search for victims goes on. EPA

Ruins in the earthquake-hit village of Talat N'Yaaqoub. EPA

Tents have become homes for people in Moulay Brahim village, whose lives have been turned upside-down by the earthquake. AP

Men clear the rubble of houses that collapsed in Imgdal. Getty Images

A digger clears a mountain road in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

A badly damaged building leans over in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

Lorries carrying aid and equipment to be used by rescuers in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

An elderly man is surrounded by rubble in Tikht village, Morocco, days after the quake struck. Reuters

Rescue workers in Talat N'Yaaqoub prepare to search for survivors. Getty Images

Another crushed car on a mountain road in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

Motorists queue for fuel at one of the few filling stations still open in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

Carrying belongings outside the village of Tikht. Reuters

Aid workers distribute relief supplies in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

Moroccan troops prepare to embark on relief missions in the mountains near Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images

A man films the ruins of collapsed buildings in Talat N'Yaaqoub. Getty Images