- as international communities offer condolences
The earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday night, has so far claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people.
The toll is expected to rise as rescuers struggle to reach hard-hit remote areas.
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed sorrow at the loss of life from the earthquake, according to his spokesperson late on Saturday.
“The secretary-general expresses his solidarity with the government and people of Morocco in these difficult times,” said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson, in a statement.
“He addresses his most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.”
The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in helping the impacted population, the statement added.
Recall that a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11.11 p.m. local time (2211 GMT) at a depth of 18.5 kilometres. The death toll has risen to 2,012, local media reported.
The epicentre of Friday’s tremor was near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, roughly 70 kilometres (44 miles) south of Marrakech.
Neighbouring Algeria expressed readiness to assist Morocco. It said it will open its airspace to flights carrying humanitarian aid, a state-owned news agency reported Saturday.
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Tunisia also announced its rescue team has left for Morocco to offer search and rescue efforts, TAP news agency reported.
The team comprises more than 50 professional rescue experts and will work with local Moroccan rescue agencies during its search operations.
The Tunisian Presidency said in a statement that the country will use all its capabilities to support Morocco.
The statement confirmed that Tunisia will dispatch urgent aid and civil protection teams to help in search and rescue. A delegation from the Tunisian Red Crescent will also participate in the relief operations.
In a phone call with his Moroccan counterpart, the Qatari Prime Minister expressed his condolences and wished “a speedy recovery for the injured.” The minister vowed to “provide all necessary assistance”.
Türkiye said it would “provide all supports needed to heal the wounds”, its state-run Anadolu news agency reported on Saturday. That country also suffered massive earthquakes in February,
The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicentre.
Many residents spent the night in open spaces for fear of potential aftershocks, said an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.
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On Saturday, the Red Cross Society of China announced an emergency humanitarian assistance of $200,000 to the Moroccan Red Crescent.
The assistance is for its rescue operations and would keep abreast of the relief needs in the country.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended condolences to Moroccan King Mohammed VI over the devastating earthquake in the country.
Xi said he was shocked to learn of the intense earthquake that brought heavy casualties and property loss.
On behalf of the Chinese government and people, the Chinese president expressed deep sorrow for the victims. They offered sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and the injured.
Global leaders including those of France, Germany and Russia among others have also offered their condolences.
Morocco declared three days of national mourning, flying the national flag at half-staff throughout the country, according to local reports. (Xinhua)
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