King Mohammed VI has arrived in Marrakech to personally assess the on-ground measures deployed as part of the comprehensive efforts to address the ongoing earthquake crisis that has rocked Morocco.
This visit by the monarch serves as a testament to Morocco’s commitment to managing the far-reaching repercussions of the earthquake, which has tragically claimed the lives of at least 2,900 people since it struck last Friday.
According to the most recent estimates provided by the Interior Ministry, more than 5,500 individuals have sustained injuries of varying degrees of severity in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake.
The royal visit takes place against the backdrop of a nation uniting in solidarity, with Moroccans from all walks of life and sectors rallying together to support the relief efforts. Their collective efforts are especially directed towards helping those affected by the earthquake, particularly those residing in isolated and remote areas.
In a swift response to the crisis, King Mohammed VI declared three days of mourning on Saturday and called on the government to expedite its efforts to assist the victims.
The King’s directives encompass a range of urgent measures, including the establishment of field hospitals, the rehabilitation of damaged homes, and the creation of a dedicated bank account by the Treasury and Bank Al-Maghrib to receive contributions from citizens as well as private and public institutions wishing to lend a helping hand.
Morocco has swiftly implemented various measures since Saturday morning to address the alarming situation, including the distribution of essential supplies such as food, clean water, blankets, and tents to shelter those who have lost their homes due to the earthquake.
As King Mohammed VI tours Marrakech and the surrounding regions, ongoing rescue operations continue to assist those affected by the earthquake. A collaborative effort involving auxiliary forces, civil protection teams, and the army is utilizing both traditional and advanced logistics to efficiently distribute aid.
This nationwide mobilization has also seen the arrival of volunteers from different countries, including Qatar, the UAE, Spain, and the UK, who have come to Morocco to actively participate in the ongoing operations aimed at rescuing earthquake victims.
Millions of Moroccans are demonstrating their unwavering solidarity with the victims, with each corner of the country rallying volunteers and non-governmental organizations to collect aid destined for those affected by the earthquake.
The World Health Organization’s estimates indicate that the earthquake has impacted at least 300,000 people across the nation. Tragically, many children have been among those affected, as UNICEF reported on Monday. However, precise figures regarding the number of children who have lost their lives or sustained injuries in this devastating tremor are yet to be determined.
The region most severely affected, in terms of casualties, continues to be Al Haouz, with the death toll surpassing 1,400 victims.