RAF flies UK search and rescue teams to Morocco following devastating earthquake
UK search and rescue specialists have been flown to Morocco by two RAF A400M Atlas aircraft following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in which more than 2,000 people are known to have been killed.
Those deployed include 60 search and rescue specialists, a medical assessment team, four search dogs and rescue equipment.
The aircraft departed from RAF Brize Norton.
The A400M Atlas has the ability to carry 37 tonnes over 2,000 miles, which enables it to transport the teams to Marrakech without refuelling.
Defence Secretary Grant Shapps said: "This is a devastating time for the people of Morocco, particularly those with loved ones they have lost or are missing.
"The UK has taken a leading role in the international effort to enhance search and rescue operations, moving quickly to deploy our unique strategic airlift capabilities, expert personnel and aid.
"We stand firmly by Morocco as they get through this terrible event."
The UK International Search and Rescue team (UKISAR) respond to disasters on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
It has specialist search equipment including seismic listening devices, concrete-cutting and 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's (EMT) four-person British medical assessment team is assessing the situation on the ground and coordinating with Moroccan authorities.
More than 2,000 people were killed in the earthquake that struck the North African country on Friday, with the toll expected to rise as rescuers eventually manage to get through to hard-to-reach areas.
A number of people have been trapped under the rubble, with rescue teams and residents working hard to recover them, some reportedly using their bare hands.
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