The powerful earthquake that struck Morocco late on September 8, claiming the lives of more than 1,000 people and causing widespread destruction, has prompted a swift and compassionate international response. Foreign governments and organizations have offered their aid and support to assist Morocco in dealing with the aftermath of the deadliest earthquake to hit the country in decades.
Offers of Foreign Aid and Support:
Algeria: Despite strained relations with Morocco, Algeria has expressed its willingness to assist. Algeria's presidency announced that it would open its airspace for humanitarian and medical flights to Morocco. The country also pledged to provide humanitarian aid and offer its resources to assist the Moroccan people if requested.
Turkey: Turkey has extended a helping hand, with the Turkish Foreign Ministry expressing readiness to provide various forms of support to heal the wounds caused by the earthquake. The Turkish AFAD disaster management authority has mobilized 265 aid workers from different Turkish organizations, including the Turkish Red Crescent, to assist if Morocco requests international aid. Turkey is also prepared to deliver 1,000 tents to the affected areas.
Germany: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, speaking at a G20 summit in New Delhi, pledged support, stating that Germany has already mobilized its technical relief agency to assist Morocco in any way possible.
United States: Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed his condolences and readiness to provide assistance as Morocco deals with the tragedy, offering any necessary support.
France: France swiftly offered its help for rescue and assistance to the affected populations. French regions, including the Paris region, pledged financial aid totaling €500,000 ($535,000). French firefighters are also being dispatched to support rescue efforts, with several regions jointly pledging €1 mn in humanitarian aid.
Spain: Spain's military emergency unit and its diplomatic missions in Morocco have offered their assistance. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares affirmed their readiness to support Morocco during this difficult time.
Israel: Israel extended its hand to Morocco, offering assistance. The Magen David Adom national medical and disaster emergency service contacted the Moroccan Red Crescent with an offer of help and is preparing to send representatives to assist in relief efforts.
Tunisia: Tunisian President Kais Saied authorized coordination with Moroccan authorities to provide urgent aid and send civil protection teams to support search and rescue efforts. The Tunisian Red Crescent is also contributing to relief operations.
Kuwait: Kuwait’s Emir directed the government to provide all necessary relief supplies to Morocco, offering their support.
Romania: Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced that the Romanian authorities are in close contact with Moroccan authorities and are ready to offer assistance.
Taiwan: Taiwan's fire department has a team of 120 rescuers on standby, ready to deploy to Morocco upon instructions from Taiwan's foreign ministry.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Inaugurating a G20 summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Modi expressed the global community's solidarity with Morocco, pledging to provide all possible assistance.
Russian President Vladimir Putin: In a message to Morocco's King Mohammed VI, President Putin conveyed sympathy and support for the earthquake's victims, expressing wishes for a speedy recovery.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan: President Erdogan affirmed Turkey's support for Morocco during this challenging time, standing by their Moroccan brothers with all available means.
Algerian Foreign Ministry: Algeria expressed its sincere condolences to Morocco for the earthquake victims, expressing deep grief over the disaster.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock: Minister Baerbock expressed condolences and solidarity with Morocco, emphasizing the importance of assisting those affected by the earthquake.
French President Emmanuel Macron: President Macron pledged France's readiness to provide initial aid responses to Morocco, expressing shock and sorrow over the earthquake.
King Felipe VI of Spain: In a message to Morocco's King, King Felipe VI expressed condolences and sympathy for the victims of the earthquake on behalf of the Spanish people.
United Arab Emirates: The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered sincere condolences to Morocco and wished for a swift recovery for all the injured.
Assistance to Foreign Nationals:
France: The French Foreign Ministry established crisis centers in both Morocco and Paris to respond to requests for information or assistance from French citizens affected by the earthquake.
Germany: The German embassy in Rabat set up an emergency number for Germans affected by the earthquake and is in close contact with local authorities.
Israel: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is identifying the locations of its citizens in Morocco, communicating with them, and checking on their well-being.
The international community's swift and empathetic response reflects a united effort to assist Morocco in overcoming the challenges posed by this devastating earthquake. Morocco is receiving support from numerous countries and organizations, demonstrating the strength of global solidarity in times of crisis.
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