The death toll from the devastating earthquake in Morocco has risen to more than 2,000, and at least 2,059 people have been injured. The country’s Home Ministry said that 2,012 people died in the earthquake late Friday night, and the death toll is expected to increase further.
Rescuers are struggling to reach remote areas hardest hit. According to the ministry, the maximum number of deaths of 1,293 people have occurred in Al-Hawz province. It said at least 2,059 people were injured, of whom 1,404 were in critical condition.
The Moroccan government has declared three days of national mourning following the devastating earthquake. An earthquake of 6.8 magnitude occurred in Morocco on Friday, the worst earthquake to hit the country in the last 120 years. Leaders of many countries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have offered help to Morocco.
Prime Minister Modi, who is hosting the G20 summit, had said in a post on social media platform ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives due to the earthquake in Morocco. My thoughts are with the people of Morocco in this hour of grief. Expressing my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I wish for the speedy recovery of the injured. India is ready to provide all possible assistance to Morocco in this challenging time.
On the other hand, Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed condolences to Morocco on ‘X’. “The United Nations stands ready to assist the Government of Morocco in its efforts to assist the earthquake-affected population,” a UN spokesperson said.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant spoke over the phone with his counterpart in Morocco and expressed Israel’s willingness to provide “all possible” assistance to the quake-hit country. Gallant ordered Israeli forces to be ready to provide humanitarian aid to Morocco.
US President Joe Biden also expressed grief over the natural disaster in Morocco and said US officials were in contact with Morocco to offer assistance. Apart from this, many other countries, including Turkey, Qatar and Algeria, also offered help.
