Tinubu, World Leaders Commiserate With King of Morocco as Earthquake Toll Rises to over 1,300

Deji Elumoye in Abuja with agency report

President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders have extended their heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following yesterday’s devastating earthquake in his homeland, killing over 1,300 lives and injuring another 1,204, with many of them critically.

Leaders and diplomats all over the world yesterday expressed condolences and support for Morocco after a devastating earthquake struck near a tourist hotspot, Marrakesh.
The 6.8-magnitude quake struck a mountainous area 72 kilometres (45 miles) south-west of tourist hotspot Marrakesh at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT) Friday, the US Geological Survey reported.

Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his Media Adviser, Mr. Ajuri Ngelale, 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.
He 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 said.

French President, Emmanuel Macron said he was “devastated” by news of the quake, adding that “France stands ready to help with first aid.”
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of Morocco’s cross-strait neighbour, Spain, expressed his “solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake… Spain is with the victims of this tragedy”.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said, “Our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected”.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she “learned with the grief of the tragic toll” from the quake and pointed to “Italy’s willingness to support Morocco in this emergency”.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy “with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake”, while top EU diplomat Joseph Borrell said the bloc is ready to provide Morocco “the assistance it wishes”.
Swiss President Alain Berset expressed his condolences. The country’s foreign ministry said it activated a crisis cell and is evaluating sending aid.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country stands by Morocco “in these difficult moments.”
The leaders of both Russia and Ukraine also offered their sympathies.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his “deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake.”

“Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco during this tragic time,” he said on social media.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed similar sentiments and said in a message to Morocco’s king, “We share the pain and the mourning of the friendly Moroccan people.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is hosting the G20 summit this weekend, said he was “extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco”.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered support to “our Moroccan brothers in every way in this difficult hour”.

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.