By Matters India Reporters
New Delhi, Sept 9, 2023: World leaders gathered at New Delhi for the G20 Summit on September 9 expressed grief over the loss of lives in the magnitude 6.8 Morocco earthquake
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the host of the summit, said his country was ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco, a North African country bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
More than 800 people were killed and 672 wounded when the earthquake struck central Morocco, the most powerful tremor experienced by that nation so far.
The tremors that lasted several seconds on late September 8 were reportedly felt as far as in Portugal, neighbouring Algeria.
The epicenter of the earthquake was reportedly at Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains. Morocco’s geophysical center said the quake struck in the Ighil area of the High Atlas with a magnitude of 7.2. But the US Geological Survey put the quake’s magnitude at 6.8 and at a depth of 18.5 km.
The quake struck 71 km southwest of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at a depth of 18.5 km at 11.11 pm (3:41 am September 9 Indian Time), the US Geological Survey said. Hospitals in Marrakesh reportedly saw a “massive influx” of injured people.
Taking to his official X handle, Prime Minister Modi extended his condolences to those who have lost their relatives and said India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco.
“Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” he wrote on X.
Modi also expressed grief over the Morocco earthquake while he spoke at the opening of the September 9-10 G20 Summit.
“Before we start the proceedings of G20, I want to express my condolences over the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. We pray that all injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”
The Indian premier also said that the whole world is with Morocco in this hour of grief, “we are ready to provide all possible help.”
French President Emmanuel Macron too has offered to help Morocco as it grapples with the aftermath of the devastating earthquake.
“We are all shocked after the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France stands ready to help first aid responses,” Macron said.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed solidarity with Moroccans in a post on X (formerly Twitter.)
“We stand by our Moroccan brothers with all our means on this difficult day,” he posted.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said that Germany was mourning for the victims of Morocco earthquake.
“Awful images are reaching us from Morocco. Together with the people of Morocco, we mourn the victims of the terrible earthquake. Our thoughts are with them and all those who are searching for those buried in these hours and fighting for the lives of the many injured,” Annalena Baerbock said as quoted by Reuters.
The Indian Embassy in Morocco advised its nationals in the quake-hit country to call our helpline +212661297491 for any assistance.
The embassy also expressed “its deep sympathy to the victims” and assured India’s assistance to Morocco “in this difficult time.”
Residents of Marrakech, the nearest big city to the epicenter and some 325 km south of Rabat, the nation’s capital, said some buildings had collapsed in the old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Local television showed pictures of a fallen mosque minaret with rubble lying on smashed cars.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is not attending the G20 summit, has offered condolences over the devastating Morocco earthquake.
“Please accept my sincere condolences on the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake in the central regions of your country. Russia shares the worry and sorrow of the friendly people of Morocco. Please convey words of sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, as well as wishes for a speedy recovery to all those who have suffered as a result of this natural disaster,” said Putin.