Following the unprecedented earthquake that shook Morocco last Friday Sept.8, the Kingdom’s authorities, under the directives of King Mohammed VI, adopted an efficient approach and exemplary coordination in responding to the disaster and to the relief offers proposed by scores of sisterly and friendly countries
In this vein, Morocco has accepted aid from Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates to help with quake rescue efforts, according to a statement from Morocco’s Interior Ministry.
Specialized search and rescue teams have entered into field communications with their Moroccan counterparts on Sunday, September 10.
This assistance was exclusively focused on search and rescue operations for victims through specialized and autonomous teams. These units, dispatched as reinforcements, closely cooperate with local teams, pooling their efforts to address any specific needs.
The announcement follows a high-level meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI to address the situation.
During this session, the King expressed “expressed the deepest gratitude of the Moroccan Kingdom to friendly and sisterly countries that have shown solidarity with the Moroccan people, many of which have conveyed their willingness to provide assistance during this exceptional period.”
The Interior Ministry’s statement said Moroccan authorities conducted a precise assessment of the needs on the ground, taking into account that a lack of coordination in such situations would lead to adverse outcomes.
At least 2497 people were killed and 2465 were wounded, in the powerful earthquake that rocked Morocco’s central province of Al Haouz late on Friday evening, according to an updated Interior ministry toll issued this Monday morning.
In these moments of deep distress, where nature has demonstrated its devastating force, Morocco wasted no time in responding to the tragedy, implementing a strategy in line with international standards to manage this unprecedented crisis. The crucial initial steps were rapidly put in place, enabling effective coordination among the various stakeholders on the ground.
Responding promptly to these critical moments, Moroccan authorities initiated a series of measures according to the ongoing situation and specific needs on the ground to ensure controlled crisis management. This proactive strategy led to a responsive and efficient response, emphasizing rigorous organization and harmonious coordination of relief efforts.
In the face of the unique geographical challenges posed by the disaster-stricken area, Moroccan authorities first carried out preliminary road clearance operations to ensure the successful delivery of aid. The key objective was to ensure that any international assistance that would come into play would be well-organized and articulated to prevent confusion. The best assistance is certainly not massive but rather useful, effective, and well-coordinated.
The public authorities are continuing their efforts to speed up rescue operations, evacuate and provide care for the injured, and mobilize all necessary resources to respond to the repercussions of this painful tragedy.