EARTHQUAKE: Russia, Nigeria, US, other world leaders react to Morocco’s sad event with offers to help

*In Russia, pain and mourning of the “friendly people” of Morocco shared – Putin

By KEMI KASUMU with agencies

Updates from Rabat, capital of the Kingdom of Morocco, have it that world leaders and diplomats have received with shock, the news of Friday night rare and powerful earthquake that killed over 632 people, during which over 300 people were also seriously injured.

The leaders have, therefore, expressed their condolences and support for Morocco after the devastating earthquake struck near tourist hotspot Marrakesh.

The 6.8-magnitude earthquake that hit late Friday has now been reported to have killed at least 632 people and injured 329 others, including 51 in critical condition, according to Moroccan authorities.

The epicentre of the quake was located in the province of Al-Haouz, according to the Moroccan Centre for Scientific and Technical Research.

Most of the victims were in Al-Haouz and Taroudant, further south, according to the Moroccan interior ministry.

Countries that have reacted included Nigeria, United Kingdom, Russia, United States of America, Spain, Ukraine, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium and Israel.

Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has extended his heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following Saturday’s devastating earthquake in his homeland, which claimed many lives.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, stated this in a statement copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER on Saturday.

Reacting to the sad development, the Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commiserated with all families who lost loved ones and all those otherwise affected by this tragedy, while wishing a full and swift recovery to those who were injured.

President Tinubu assured the government and people of Morocco that the heartfelt prayers and thoughts of Nigerians are with them during this difficult moment of tragedy.

“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 President assured.

Russia

President of Russia, Mr. Vladimir Putin, expressed his condolences on Saturday to the “friendly people” of Morocco.

“In Russia, we share the pain and the mourning of the friendly Moroccan people,” Putin said in a message to Morocco’s King, Mohammed VI, offering his “sincere condolences for the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake”.

United Kingdom

The United Kingdom (UK) will help Morocco “in whatever way we can,” Foreign Minister James Cleverly said on Saturday.

He said, “Devastating news of a substantial earthquake just outside Marrakesh, Morocco,” he tweeted. “We stand ready to help our Moroccan friends in whatever way we can.”

USA

While offering condolences and prayers for the departed, United States president, Joe Biden expressed sadness over the incident. According to him, his administration is in contact with Moroccan officials.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible hardship. My administration is in contact with Moroccan officials”, he said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement added, “We are working expeditiously to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe and stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people. The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment.”

Spain

Spain has offered to send rescuers to Morocco, its Foreign Minister, Jose Manuel Albares said Saturday.

“Spain has offered Morocco, if it deems it necessary, both its rescue capacities, which in these moments are the most important, as well as its rebuilding capacity once this moment has passed. What is important right now is to save the greatest number of lives possible,” he told reporters at the G20 summit in India.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, on Saturday, expressed solidarity with Morocco. In his message to King Mohammed VI, via social media, he wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“Our deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake in the Marrakesh region. I wish those injured a fast recovery. Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco during this tragic time,” Zelensky said on social media.

African Union

The head of the African Union Commission on Saturday expressed “great pain” over the devastating earthquake in Morocco which has now been updated to have claimed more than 800 lives.

“I learnt with great sadness of the tragic consequences of the earthquake that hit the kingdom of Morocco,” Moussa Faki Mahamat said, expressing his “sincere condolences” to the king, the Moroccan people and the families of the victims.

Germany

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

Switzerland

Swiss President Alain Berset expressed his condolences. The country’s foreign ministry said it activated a crisis cell and is evaluating sending aid.

Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she “learned with grief of the tragic toll” from the quake and pointed to “Italy’s willingness to support Morocco in this emergency”.

Belgium

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country stands by Morocco “in these difficult moments.”

Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “instructed all government bodies and forces to provide any necessary assistance to the people of Morocco, including the preparations for sending an aid delegation to the area,” a statement from his office said.