- i24news
- Middle East
- North Africa
- LIVEBLOG: Morocco declares three days' mourning as quake death toll rises over 2000
LIVEBLOG: Morocco declares three days' mourning as quake death toll rises over 2000
The Moroccan interior ministry has said the death and destruction was widespread, and all necessary resources were mobilized
Morocco was hit by a magnitude 7 earthquake between Friday and Saturday, with preliminary reports indicating at least 1,037 were killed and over 1,200 injured, included hundreds in critical condition.
The quake struck 44 miles southwest of Marrakesh at a depth of 11.5 miles at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said. It was felt throughout Morocco, with reports in Casablanca, Essaouira, and the capital Rabat.
Many of those in Morocco spent the night outside, taking shelter away from fragile buildings that were crumbling or had already collapsed.
International responses came in from several nations, particularly from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, host of the G20 summit that started the same weekend.
Death toll up exceeds 2,000
Morocco's deadliest earthquake in decades has killed more than 2,000 people, authorities said Saturday.
Number of Israelis out of contact in Morocco down to 17
Over 50 Israelis out of contact in Morocco
At least 56 Israelis were listed as being out of contacted as of Saturday evening in Morocco following the devastating earthquake that ravaged the northern African country, claiming over a thousand fatalities.
Morocco declares three days' national mourning after quake
Morocco on Saturday declared three days of national mourning after the deadly earthquake, an announcement from the royal palace said.
"Three days of national mourning have been decided, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings," said a statement published by the official MAP news agency after King Mohamed VI chaired a meeting to discuss the disaster.
Israeli who witnessed quake in Marrakesh recounts harrowing experience
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1700566774154924449
This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking .
Morocco quake response may last years: Red Cross
Responding to Morocco's deadliest earthquake in decades could take months if not years, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned Saturday.
"We are mobilizing now to support the Moroccan Red Crescent," Hossam Elsharkawi, IFRC's regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement, warning: "We are looking at many months if not years of response."
Algeria opens airspace to Morocco quake aid flights
Algeria will allow aircraft carrying humanitarian aid to quake-hit Morocco to pass through its airspace, the president's office announced Saturday, suspending a two-year ban on flights to its regional rival.
Biden 'deeply saddened' by Morocco earthquake
US President Joe Biden expressed his sympathy Saturday for the victims of an earthquake in Morocco which killed more than 1,000 people, adding the United States was "ready to provide any necessary assistance"
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco," he said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible hardship."
Death toll up to 1,037
The earthquake killed more than 1,000 people and injured more than 1,000 more, many of them critically, the interior ministry said.
A total of 1,037 people have been confirmed dead, while 1,204 people were injured, of whom 721 are in a critical condition, a ministry statement said.
Moroccan Interior Ministry details locations of earthquake death toll
Morocco's Interior Ministry detailed in a press release Saturday the devastating amount of killed in each of its areas.
In the Al Haouz province 394 deaths were recorded , 271 deaths in Taroudant, 91 in Chichaoua, 31 in Ouarzazate, 13 deaths in the Marrakesh prefecture, 11 deaths in the Azilal province, 5 deaths in the Agadir Idaoutan prefecture, 3 deaths in Greater Casablanca and one death in the Youssoufia region.
Pope Francis expresses 'profound solidarity' with Morocco after earthquake
"The pope expresses his profound solidarity with those who are touched in the flesh and heart by this tragedy," the Vatican's Secretary of State Pietro Parolin sent as a telegram to Morocco.
Biden "deeply saddened" by earthquake in Morocco
"I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible hardship," U.S. President Joe Biden said in a statement.
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1700459303767855459
This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking .
"My administration is in contact with Moroccan officials. We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe, and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people," he added
"The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment," Biden concluded.
China's President Xi Jinping sends 'message of condolence' to Morocco
“On September 9, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco over the severe earthquake” in that country, according to CCTV.
"I am shocked to learn that a strong earthquake has occurred in your distinguished country, causing great casualties and property damage," Xi added, according to CCTV.
"On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to express my deep grief for the victims and sincere condolences to the families," he said.
"I trust that, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, the Moroccan government and people will be able to overcome the impact of this disaster and rebuild their homeland at an early date," the Chinese president concluded.
Moroccan Interior Ministry updates earthquake death toll to 822
The earthquake was a magnitude 7 according to the Moroccan National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST). It left 822 dead, as well as 672 injured, of whom 205 were in serious condition, Morocco's Interior Ministry said in a statement.
Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen responds to deadly earthquake in Morocco
Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen instructed his office to examine options together with the Moroccan authorities to provide humanitarian aid, as well as sending rescue teams, and caring for Israelis in Morocco.
"Israel is reaching out to Morocco at this difficult time. Immediately upon receiving the report, we offered the Moroccan government the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in humanitarian aid and rescuing victims," Cohen said in a statement.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also locating and assisting Israelis who are currently in distress at this time in Morocco," the statement added.
The Foreign Ministry said there were no Israeli citizens known to have been injured, but it continues to establish contact to ensure the safety of tourists from Israel.
Israel's consul to Morocco Dorit Avidani was also on her way to Marrakesh, for a full assessment of the earthquake hit area.
The United Kingdom stands ready to help Morocco 'in whatever way we can'
The UK stands "ready to help" Morocco "in whatever way we can" after the earthquake that killed at least 820 people, British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on Saturday.
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1700433538686882296
This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking .
Israel's Magen David Adom says Israeli forces leaving for Morocco in next hours
Israel's Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedic service released a statement on Saturday, saying its representatives were supposed to leave in the next few hours with an Israeli delegation to Morocco.
"This is a significant earthquake that requires a large-scale response and cooperation between a large number of organizations," MDA Director General Eli Bin said in a press statement that included a letter he wrote to his Moroccan Red Crescent counterpart.
"We are following the developments with concern. Our hearts go out to you and those who have lost their loved ones. We are sure that the experience, ability and dedication of the Red Crescent will be a key factor in the success of the humanitarian aid efforts," the Israeli paramedic wrote in the letter.
"The MDA leadership, its employees and volunteers follow with appreciation the effective response provided by the forces. Be sure of the friendship between us and see my appeal as my opportunity to offer any assistance if you find it appropriate," he concluded.
UN ready to assist Moroccan government and impacted population
"The Secretary-General was profoundly saddened to learn of the earthquake that hit Morocco today which claimed many lives," spokesman for the UN for the Secretary-General, Stéphane Dujarric, said in a statement.
"The Secretary-General expresses his solidarity with the government and people of Morocco in these difficult times. He addresses his most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured," it added.
"The United Nations is ready to assist the government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the impacted population," the UN statement condluded.
Borrell says EU 'ready to provide any assistance to Morocco'
“My thoughts are with the Moroccan people, affected by a terrible earthquake which shook the country during the night causing hundreds of deaths,” EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell reacted on X (formerly Twitter).
"The EU stands ready to provide Morocco with any assistance it may require," he added.
https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1700411175110848954
This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking .
Israeli Prime Minister directs ministries to assist Morocco as much as needed, sends message of solidarity
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office (PMO) directed on Saturday all of Israel's ministries and and forces to "assist the Moroccan people," following a deadly earthquake.
"Following the earthquake disaster in Morocco, Prime Minister Netanyahu directed all ministries and forces to assist the Moroccan people as much as necessary, including preparing to send an aid delegation to the region," a statement read.
"The Prime Minister said that the people of Israel are strengthening our friends the Moroccan people in their difficult time, offering a prayer for their peace and we will assist in any need that is required," it added.
The directive came on the Jewish Sabbath, during which the PMO very rarely issues statements, indicating the important relationship between Israel and Morocco.