Moroccan television reported today, Sunday, that the death toll from the earthquake that struck the country late Friday has risen to 2,122, with injured individuals totaling 2,421. The Moroccan Ministry of Interior confirmed that authorities are continuing their efforts to rescue and evacuate the wounded, mobilizing all available resources to address the aftermath of this tragic event. Official television revealed that Moroccan authorities conducted a thorough assessment of needs on the ground, noting that lack of coordination in such circumstances could lead to adverse outcomes.
In the aftermath of the powerful earthquake, foreign countries and governments offered assistance and support to Morocco. Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles stated that a Spanish military search and rescue unit comprising 56 soldiers and four search dogs arrived in Morocco today. The team, part of the Spanish military emergency unit, will operate approximately 100 kilometers south of Marrakech. Robles indicated that a second search and rescue unit would be deployed to Morocco later today.
The United States has sent a small team of disaster response experts to Morocco to assess the situation, identify unmet humanitarian needs, and collaborate with the Moroccan government to determine additional support. An American official stated that the team arrived in Morocco today.
Meanwhile, Britain announced it would send search and rescue teams to Morocco. The British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office stated, "Sixty British search and rescue experts and four search dogs, along with rescue equipment, will be sent to Morocco," noting that the teams were dispatched today on two Royal Air Force planes. The statement added that the Foreign Secretary spoke with his Moroccan counterpart and that Britain is in close contact with Moroccan authorities.
France expressed its readiness to assist Morocco; however, the Moroccan government has not yet requested aid. French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned during a press conference on the sidelines of the G20 summit in New Delhi that "the Moroccan authorities know exactly what can be offered, its nature, and timing; we are at their service. We have prepared everything we can, and when they request this assistance, we will send it." The Foreign Ministry also issued a separate statement announcing the establishment of a local government contribution fund to support solidarity efforts with Morocco, indicating that a pledge of approximately two million euros ($2.14 million) has been made so far. Several French companies have contacted the ministry to express their intention to contribute to support efforts. The telecommunications group "Orange" announced on Saturday that it would provide its customers with the ability to make free calls and send free text messages to Morocco until September 16. It also announced that its units in Belgium, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia would offer free communications with Morocco for a week.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to initiate an air bridge to provide assistance to the earthquake victims.
Algeria, which severed relations with Morocco two years ago, stated it would open its airspace for humanitarian and medical flights to Morocco. The Algerian presidency announced in a statement on Saturday that it is ready to provide humanitarian assistance and offer all its material and human resources in solidarity with the Moroccan people if Morocco requests it.
Tunisia announced today that it has formed a team to send to Morocco and is awaiting permission from Moroccan authorities to support search and rescue efforts there. Earlier, officials from the Ministry of Interior stated that the team had already arrived in Morocco. The team comprises about 50 rescuers and specialized personnel, search dogs, advanced heat detection devices, a drone for locating victims under rubble, and a field hospital.
The Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) reported that the Emir of Kuwait, Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, ordered the government to prepare all necessary relief supplies for Morocco.
Taiwan’s Fire Department announced on Saturday that it has put a team of 120 rescue personnel on standby to travel to Morocco, "and they can move as soon as they receive instructions from the Taiwanese Foreign Ministry."
Moroccan King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude to Spain, Qatar, Britain, and the UAE for sending assistance to the kingdom.
