Ikram Kouachi
Sunday September 10, 2023
Arab countries raced to show solidarity with Morocco on Saturday following a powerful earthquake that killed hundreds.
At least 1,037 people were killed and 721 others injured when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake jolted Morocco late Friday, according to the country’s Interior Ministry.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the epicenter of the earthquake, which hit just after 11 p.m. local time (22:00 GMT), was 75 kilometers (46.6 miles) southeast of Marrakech, at a depth of 18.5 km.
The earthquake was the strongest tremor to hit Morocco in the last century, the country’s National Geophysical Institute said.
Videos on social media captured the immediate aftermath and showed residents rushing out of their shaking houses to save their lives.
Egypt offered its deepest condolences to Morocco following the deadly earthquake.
“Egypt reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco, both its government and its people, as they grapple with the devastating consequences of this tragic and painful incident,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed sympathy with Morocco following the quake.
“I extend my deepest condolences to my brother King Mohammed VI and the people of Morocco over the devastating earthquake that struck the country,” UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said in a statement.
“We in the UAE stand with the Kingdom of Morocco during this difficult time and wish a speedy recovery ahead to all those affected,” he added.
Saudi Arabia expressed its sincere condolences to Morocco following the powerful quake.
In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed the kingdom’s “support and solidarity with Morocco and its brotherly people in this great affliction.”
Qatar extended its condolences to Morocco over the devastating earthquake.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent a cable of condolences to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI “on the victims of the earthquake that struck several Moroccan regions and cities, wishing the injured a speedy recovery,” the state news agency QNA said.
Bahrain also offered condolences to Morocco for the earthquake victims.
In a statement, the Bahrain Foreign Ministry expressed its “sympathy and solidarity with the Kingdom of Morocco regarding the victims of the earthquake that struck a number of Moroccan regions and provinces, which led to the death and injury of hundreds of people and major destruction of buildings and property.”
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry expressed "its warmest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Kingdom of Morocco for the victims of the earthquake that occurred Friday evening and resulted in a number of victims and injuries."
Libya’s Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh also conveyed his condolences to King Mohammed VI and the Moroccan people in the wake of the earthquake.
Yemen also expressed condolences to Morrocco following the deadly quake.
According to state news agency Saba, Foreign Minister Hisham Sharaf sent a message of condolence to his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita over the quake victims.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud offered his condolences to Moroccan King Mohammed VI over the tragedy, the state news agency SONNA reported.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh extended his condolences to his Moroccan counterpart Aziz Akhannouch over the victims of the deadly earthquake, the state news agency Wafa said.
The Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) voiced solidarity with Morocco in the wake of the powerful earthquake.
In a statement, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha expressed “his deepest condolences and sincere sympathy to the Kingdom of Morocco.”
He affirmed “the solidarity of the OIC and its support for the Kingdom of Morocco and its people in facing the effects of this devastating tragedy and overcoming this humanitarian ordeal.”
The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) also expressed its condolences to Morocco over the quake victims.
In a statement, the Rabat-based-organization said it stands in solidarity with Morocco for the victims of the earthquake, stressing its “readiness to cooperate with the competent Moroccan authorities in confronting the damage resulting from this earthquake.”