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Morocco King declares 3-day mourning amid vast solidarity, support

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
9 Sep 2023 23:39
1 Shares

Morocco's King announces launching a comprehensive disaster relief effort following the deadly earthquake that has killed 1,305 people so far.

The minaret of a mosque stands behind damaged or destroyed houses following an earthquake in Moulay Brahim, al-Haouz province, Morocco, on September 9, 2023. (AFP)

Morocco's King Mohammed VI declared a three-day national mourning in response to the deadly earthquake, the royal palace said on Saturday.

"Three days of national mourning have been decided, with flags to fly at half-mast on all public buildings," a statement published by the official Maghreb Arab Presse news agency said after the King attended a meeting on the matter.

The meeting was held on Saturday where officials were briefed on the latest updates. Later, the King ordered the establishment of a "commission responsible for the deployment of an emergency rehabilitation and aid program, [focused] on rebuilding destroyed housing in disaster [struck] areas" and "the care of distressed people. particularly orphans and the vulnerable."

Mohammed VI also ordered the government to source accommodation, food, and all other basic needs for those who have been affected by the earthquake, which will be funded by a special account at Morocco's Central Bank.

So far, 1305 people have fallen victim to the disaster while the number of injured has risen to 1,832 of whom 1,220 are in critical condition, the Moroccan Ministry of Interior announced.

Humanitarian organizations aid Morocco

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that an adequate response to the seismic event could take months if not years.

"We are mobilizing now to support the Moroccan Red Crescent. We are looking at many months if not years of response." Hossam Elsharkawi, IFRC's regional director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated on Saturday.

MRCS works to elevate effects of the disaster

The Moroccan Red Crescent (MRCS) immediately deployed teams to the ground to respond to the disaster and worked in close coordination with local authorities to rescue and aid victims of the earthquake in several Moroccan cities and towns, the IFRC said in a statement.

Teams were able to provide first aid and psychological support and helped transport injuries to local hospitals.

IFRC Chief Jagan Chapagain posted on X that he plans on releasing 1 million Swiss Francs ($1.1 million) from the organization's Disaster Response Emergency Fund to aid MRCS's work on the field.

The organization also promised to deploy its own emergency response teams to aid in rescue missions "within 24-48 hours based on the needs [of the MRCS]."

"The next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in terms of saving lives," Caroline Holt, IFRC Global Director of Operations, stated, marking the importance of deploying rescue teams as soon as possible following a natural disaster of this magnitude.

"We need to make sure we don't have a disaster within a disaster," she added.

Others stand ready to support

Other organizations such as the Saudi Arabia-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation offered their condolences to the victims' families and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The World Health Organization said the quake was "heartbreaking" and it offered its support for "immediate health needs."

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said he was "deeply saddened" by the event, adding that the United Nations stands ready to support Morocco.

Global solidarity: Governments worldwide rally to respond

Iran lends a helping hand

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian announced the Islamic Republic's readiness to deploy relief and rescue teams to Morocco.

The top diplomat posted a message on X in both Arabic and Farsi saying, "In these difficult moments, I would like to remember the victims of the earthquake in Morocco, and I ask God for forgiveness and mercy upon the dead and speedy recovery of the injured."

در این لحظات سخت به یاد زلزله زدگان مراکش هستم و از درگاه خداوند برای جانباختگان رحمت و برای مصدومان بهبودی و سلامتی مسئلت دارم.
به ملت و دولت مسلمان 🇲🇦 به‌ویژه همتایم آقای ناصر بوریطه تسلیت می‌گویم و اعلام آمادگی هلال احمر 🇮🇷 برای امدادرسانی را تکرار می‌کنم.@Marocdiplo_EN
— H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان (@Amirabdolahian) September 9, 2023

He added, "I offer my condolences to the Muslim nation and government of Morocco, especially to my counterpart Mr. Nasser Bourita (the Moroccan Foreign Minister), and I repeat the announcement of the Red Crescent of the Islamic Republic of Iran's readiness to provide aid."

On this note, the head of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) said earlier that Iran is ready to send relief and rescue teams to Morocco to aid those affected by the seismic event.

Arab countries offer condolences, assistance

Iraq

In the wake of these unfolding events, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said he was "ready to provide any form of assistance to deal with the repercussions of the devastating earthquake."

Jordan

The King of Jordan Abdullah II ordered his government to provide all necessary assistance to Morocco.

Qatar

Qatar's Amir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, directed rescue teams and urgent medical aid to be dispatched to the North African country.

Tunisia

Closer to home, Tunisia's Ministry of Interior announced that a civil defense team will depart this evening to Morocco to support MRCS's efforts.

Several humanitarian organizations and relief agencies in #Algeria have launched popular campaigns to support #Morocco in its catastrophe. Among these organizations is al-Barakah Society, which launched the Urgent Brotherhood Campaign to support the Moroccan people, by collecting… pic.twitter.com/2xNhOgw3YF
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 9, 2023

Lebanon

In Lebanon, the Resistance party, Hezbollah, expressed its deep sympathy with the Moroccan people, affirming that it would stand by their side during these tragic times.

On his part, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, offered his condolences, on behalf of the Lebanese parliament, to the Moroccan people, its King, government, and parliament in a statement.

Syria

Faisal al-Miqdad, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Syria, sent a message of condolences to his counterpart Nasser Bourita.

Al-Miqdad expressed Syria's solidarity with the Moroccan people, calling for mercy upon the victims of the earthquake and solace for their families.

Yemen

The member of the Supreme Political Council in Sanaa, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi, sent a message of condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims among the brethren Moroccan people.

The Czech Republic stands out in Europe

Spain

Morocco's cross-strait neighbor, which has strong ties with Morocco, offered its solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake, through its Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who added, "Spain is with the victims of this tragedy."

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, "Our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected."

France

French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country is home to more than a million Moroccan diaspora, said he was "devastated," adding, "France stands ready to help with first aid."

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she "learned with grief of the tragic toll" from the earthquake, expressing "Italy's willingness to support Morocco in this emergency."

The Vatican

The Pope announced his "profound solidarity" with Morocco, the Vatican stated.

The Czech Republic

In a post on X, the Fire Rescue Corps of the Czech Republic said \two of its experts will fly to the earthquake's hotspot, Marrakesh, where they will be tasked with assessing the situation and agreeing on the pathways of deploying the Czech Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) team.

The organization added that is working on logistics to deploy the specialized USAR team immediately, adding that it will do so in coordination with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Defense. It further added that the Czech army would provide the necessary transportation for the USAR team.

According to Moroccan state TV, as reported by Reuters, the death toll of the horrific earthquake has risen to 1,305 with 1,832 injured, 1,220 of which are in critical condition, as rescue operations continue in the hope of finding more survivors.#Morocco #MoroccoEarthquake… pic.twitter.com/hGUehoVsoL
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 9, 2023

Africa

Nigeria

In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco, "In the face of this adversity, Nigeria will continue to stand in solidarity with Morocco as they recover, rebuild and come out stronger than ever from this unfortunate event."

The African Union

The head of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, extended "sincere condolences" to the Moroccan King and people, as well as the families of the victims.

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