13:49
Three French regions pledge one million euros in humanitarian aid
Occitanie, the Community of Corsica and the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur Region (PACA) committed on Saturday to provide one million euros in humanitarian aid to the victims of a severe earthquake in Morocco that has claimed hundreds of lives.
“One million euros will be allocated directly, depending of course on the needs that Morocco will express, for the benefit of the victims of the earthquake and for the reconstruction of the country,” announced the presidents of these regions in a joint press release, respectively Carole Delga, Gilles Siméoni and Renaud Muselier.
13:46
Emmanuel Macron sent a message of support to the King of Morocco
According to BFMTV, Emmanuel Macron sent a message of support to the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, informing him of his full availability.
13:43
The Pope expresses his “deep solidarity” with Morocco
Pope Francis expressed his “deep solidarity” with Moroccans affected by a deadly earthquake that killed at least 820 people.
“The pope expresses his deep solidarity with those struck in their flesh and heart by this tragedy,” he wrote in a telegram sent to Morocco by Secretary of State and Vatican No. 2 Pietro Parolin.
13:39
Severe earthquakes have shaken Morocco in the past
On February 24, 2004, an earthquake measuring 6.4 degrees on the Richter scale struck Al Hoceima province, 400 km northeast of Rabat, killing 628 people.
And on February 29, 1960, a magnitude 5.7 earthquake devastated Agadir on the country’s western coast, killing more than 15,000 people, or a third of the city’s population.
> You can read our full article here.
13:24
“Terrible night, “terrible awakening”: Jamel Debbouze expresses his emotion
Comedian Jamel Debbouze posted a message on Instagram to call for support for Morocco in the face of the disaster:
“Let us all help and do our part to help Morocco and pray that lives will be saved in the coming hours and days,” he wrote in particular.
The actor, himself of Moroccan origins, is very attached to Marrakech, where he organizes the comedy festival Le Marrakech du rire every year.
“Terrible night, terrible awakening,” he wrote again. “All my support and thoughts go out to the victims, their families and everyone affected by the earthquake.”
13:16
No French victims have been identified at this time
According to a diplomatic source at BFMTV, no French victim has yet been identified in Morocco.
13:01
The French Secours Populaire is launching a call for donations
The Secours populaire announced in a press release that it would launch a call for donations this Saturday after the earthquake in Morocco.
“The Secours populaire is launching an urgent call for solidarity and financial support for the victims of this disaster,” the association said.
“50,000 euros will be released from the emergency fund to help children and families who have lost everything (shelter, food aid, hygiene and care packages, etc.). Support for the most vulnerable will come over time,” she says.
12:39
French tour operators demand “commercial flexibility”
The union of major French tour operators (Seto) called on Saturday to show “commercial flexibility” to customers who no longer wish to travel to Morocco after the earthquake.
“Although it is possible to offer deferrals and/or credits, customers have the right to decline them,” Seto said in a statement.
More information here.
12:32
Chinese President sends “message of condolences” to Morocco
Chinese President Xi Jinping is sending a “message of condolences” to Morocco after the earthquake that struck overnight, Chinese state media said on Saturday.
“On September 9, President Xi Jinping sent a message of condolence to King Mohammed VI. of Morocco due to the severe earthquake” in that country, according to CCTV.
12:19
Joe Biden says he is “deeply saddened” and assures that the United States is “ready” to help Morocco
US President Joe Biden said in a statement from New Delhi, where he is attending the G20 summit, that he was “deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco.”
The United States is working to “ensure the safety of American nationals in Morocco” and “stands ready to provide any necessary assistance to the Moroccan people,” the American president said, adding that it stands “at the side of (his) friend , King Mohammed VI, “stand this difficult time.”
12:14
The African Union expresses its “great pain” after the earthquake with “tragic consequences”.
African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday expressed his “great pain” and condolences to the Moroccan people following the earthquake that struck the country.
“I learned with great pain of the tragic consequences of the earthquake that struck the Kingdom of Morocco. “I express my deep and sincere condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Moroccan people and the families of the victims,” said Moussa Faki Mahamat in a message on the social network “X” (formerly Twitter).
11:53
Spain offers to send rescuers to Morocco and provide “reconstruction assistance”.
Spain is offering to send rescuers to help Morocco after the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit the country.
“Spain has offered Morocco, if it considers it necessary, both rescue teams, which is the most important thing at the moment, but also its help in reconstruction once this moment is over,” Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in India.
Previously, Spanish leader Pedro Sanchez supported Morocco on X (ex-Twitter).
“Spain is with the victims of this tragedy and their families,” he wrote.
11:45
The death toll is still rising to at least 820 dead
The number continues to rise to 820 dead and 672 injured, the Moroccan Interior Ministry said after the earthquake last night.
11:41
“My heart is bleeding”: Élie Semoun shows his solidarity in Morocco
Élie Semoun, French actor of Moroccan origin, reacted on BFMTV to the disaster that devastated Marrakech and its surroundings.
“My heart is bleeding and all I can do is support,” he said. “I saw some pictures and it tore my heart.”
The 59-year-old comedian explains that he is a regular visitor to Marrakesh, “like many French people”.
Read the article on BFMTV.com
11:36
The earthquake is the strongest in Morocco in a century
The earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale that occurred on the night of Friday to Saturday is the strongest in Morocco in a century, according to the country’s National Institute of Geophysics.
11:17
The Prime Minister assures the Moroccan people of “solidarity” and “support” from France
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne assures the Moroccan people of France’s “solidarity” and “support” this Saturday on X (formerly Twitter).
“All our solidarity with the Moroccan people after the earthquake in the Marrakesh region,” she said.
“Morocco can count on France’s support in this ordeal,” she promises.
11:14
The Foreign Ministry expresses its “great dismay” and offers its “condolences” to Morocco
The Foreign Ministry expresses its “great emotion” after the “terrible” earthquake in Morocco.
“France expresses its sincere condolences to his families and loved ones,” the Quai d’Orsay said in a press release.
“France is in full solidarity with the Moroccan authorities and the Moroccan people in this ordeal and is ready to provide immediate assistance and assistance to the population affected by this tragedy,” the ministry further affirms.
11:07
The United Kingdom, in turn, says it is “ready to help in any way possible.”
After France, the United Kingdom declared itself ready to help Morocco in “all possible ways” after the earthquake that occurred during the night.
“The UK continues to support British nationals in the region,” British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“We are ready to help our Moroccan friends in any way we can,” he added.
11:07
Eric Ciotti and Christian Estrosi send their “thoughts” to Morocco
Republican President Eric Ciotti declared on X (ex-Twitter) that “France must stand with Morocco”.
The mayor of the city of Nice directed all his “support” and “thoughts” to the Moroccan people, who “fell victim to a terrible earthquake last night”.
10:58
Edouard Philippe will offer his help to the Le Havre municipal council
The mayor of Le Havre and former prime minister Edouard Philippe sends all his “thoughts to our Moroccan friends hit by a terrible earthquake” in a message on X, formerly Twitter.
“In these dramatic moments, helping them is a natural priority,” he continues.
The councilor assures that on Monday he will propose to the Le Havre municipal council “to participate in the help that Morocco needs”.
10:55
Marine Le Pen “stands fully with Morocco and the Moroccan people”
To your loved ones after the earthquake.
10:50
Pictures of the damage in Marrakesh a few hours after the earthquake
This Saturday morning, the earthquake-affected population of Marrakech noticed the damage caused by the earthquake during the night.
10:42
Valérie Pécresse announces the vote for 500,000 euros in aid from the Île-de-France region
The president of the Île-de-France region announces the vote on an aid of 500,000 euros to “support the relief workers and humanitarian associations to help the victims” of the earthquake in Morocco.
“The Île-de-France region stands with Morocco, affected by this terrible earthquake,” writes Valérie Pécresse on X, formerly Twitter.
Earlier in the day, she said she was “shocked to learn of the tragic night Morocco has just endured”.
More information here.
10:38
After this “terrible drama”, the interior minister directs his “very strong thoughts” to the Moroccans
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin sends his “very strong thoughts” to Moroccans after the “terrible tragedy” that occurred last night.
10:33
The earthquake affected Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech
The Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh was hit by the powerful earthquake that shook the country last night. Impressive nighttime images from Moroccan broadcaster 2MTV show smoke surrounding the minaret of the religious building.
10:19
Recep Tayyip Erdogan expresses his condolences and support from Turkey
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed this Saturday his condolences to the Moroccan “brother” and Turkey, which was hit by a devastating earthquake in February, after the earthquake in Morocco killed at least 632 people.
“I send my well wishes to all Moroccans affected by the devastating earthquake in Morocco, a friend and brother (country). May God have mercy on those who lost their lives and I wish the injured a speedy recovery. “We support our Moroccan brothers with all means in this difficult day,” the Turkish president wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
10:18
Jean-Luc Mélenchon expresses “a moving thought” for the Moroccans
France Insoumise leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon said: on X (formerly Twitter) of a “moving thought for Moroccans after the earthquake that struck them” that brings back the “painful memories of the earthquake in Agadir, in which all the men of his family in Tangier were mobilized”.
10:18
‘Paris will be by your side’: Anne Hidalgo sends her ‘support’ to Moroccan people
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her sadness in a message posted on X, formerly Twitter.
“It is with a heavy heart that I discover the horrifying images of the earthquake that hit Morocco last night. I send all my thoughts and support to the Moroccan people, to the families and loved ones of the victims,” she said.
The City Council also reiterates that “Paris will be by your side”.
10:14
Vladimir Putin offers his condolences to the Moroccan “friendly people”.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday expressed condolences to the “friendly people” of Morocco over the earthquake that killed at least 632 people in Morocco overnight, a Kremlin statement said.
“In Russia we share the pain and grief of the friendly Moroccan people,” Vladimir Putin said in a message to the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, expressing his “sincere condolences for the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake.”
10:12
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extends his “deepest condolences” to Morocco
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky extends his “deepest condolences” to Morocco after the earthquake.
“I wish the injured a speedy recovery. “Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco in this tragic time,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
10:02
“The evaluation of the results is still pending”: The French ambassador to Morocco speaks of damage in “difficult to access” areas
“The regions that appear to be most affected are mountainous areas south of Marrakesh, where there are villages where the population lives in houses that are less stable than in cities,” explained the French ambassador to Morocco.
The emergency services are working here to determine the exact situation,” continued Christophe Lecourtier.
In this area, where some villages are numerous and difficult to access, “the balance remains to be evaluated,” he continued.
9:47
“We are all shocked”: Emmanuel Macron reacts to the earthquake in Morocco
Emmanuel Macron reacts this Saturday on X (formerly Twitter) to the earthquake that occurred during the night in Morocco.
“We are all devastated by the terrible earthquake in Morocco. France is ready to provide first aid,” assures the head of state.
9:46
The President of the National Assembly expresses her “solidarity” with the Moroccan people
The President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, expresses this Saturday on X (formerly Twitter) her “solidarity” with the Moroccan population.
“I express all my solidarity with the Moroccan people, whose country suffered a terrible earthquake, and with the rescuers who are working in difficult conditions to save lives,” she wrote.
9:42
The mayor of Marseille admits his “fear” and promises to send firefighters to Morocco
The PS mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, confesses this Saturday morning on X (formerly Twitter) his “horror” after the earthquake in Morocco.
He promises to send firefighters from his city to Morocco to “join the international community’s efforts to come to the aid of the affected population.”
9:33
The Foreign Minister expresses her “solidarity” with Morocco after the “terrible earthquake”
Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna expressed this Saturday morning on X (formerly Twitter) her “solidarity” with Morocco after the “terrible earthquake” that occurred overnight.
“Moving thoughts for the victims and their families and admiration for the work of the rescuers who tirelessly help the injured,” she added.
9:08
The death toll from the earthquake exceeds the number of Al Hoceima earthquakes in 2004
The death toll from last night’s earthquake, which killed at least 632 people, now exceeds that of the 2004 Al Hoceima earthquake in the country. At that time, 628 people died in the earthquake.
The earthquake had a magnitude of 6.3 on the Richter scale.
The 1960 Agadir earthquake remains the deadliest, killing more than 12,000 people.
8:44
The death toll from the earthquake rises to at least 632 dead and 329 injured
According to new, preliminary estimates from the Interior Ministry, the death toll from the earthquake in Morocco rises to 632 dead and 329 injured.
Of the injured, 51 were in serious condition, the ministry said, adding that the earthquake caused the collapse of several buildings, particularly in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate and Marrakesh.
8:36
“We had a terrible night”: Yacine talks about the earthquake in Marrakesh
We are receiving the first statements from those present on site. Yacine Kourkouz was, above all, a witness to the earthquake in Marrakesh.
“We had a terrible night, we absolutely didn’t expect that,” he tells BFMTV by telephone.
“We hear the mothers screaming, the children crying, we say to ourselves: ‘But what is happening to us?'” he remembers. “We spent more time outside than inside because we were afraid everything would collapse again.”
8:19
RN President Jordan Bardella expressed his “support for the Moroccan people” after the earthquake.
The President of the RN Jordan Bardella expresses his “support for the Moroccan people” after the earthquake during the night, this Saturday on X (formerly Twitter).
“All our support goes to the Moroccan people who were affected by this terrible deadly earthquake last night,” he wrote.
“Thoughts go out to the victims, the injured and the thousands of Moroccans who were left without news of a loved one this morning,” he added.
8:03
The French embassy in Morocco opens a crisis unit
The French embassy in Morocco announced on Saturday morning that it would open a crisis team following the earthquake that struck overnight.
A phone number has been activated to reach this cell. It is +212 537689900.
7:53
Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses his “thoughts” to the victims of this “devastating” earthquake
On Saturday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the “devastating” earthquake that killed at least 296 people in Morocco.
“This is terrible news from Morocco. In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our condolences go out to everyone affected by this natural disaster,” wrote the German Chancellor on X (ex-Twitter).
7:32
The Marrakesh and Al-Houaz regions are particularly affected
According to the authorities, the earthquake hit the provinces and municipalities of Al-Haouz, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant in particular.
In addition to Marrakech, the tremors were also felt in Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir and Essaouira and triggered panic among the population.
7:29
Numerous damage was recorded in the Marrakesh region
The earthquake that occurred in Morocco last night caused extensive damage.
In particular, images show that part of a minaret collapsed in Marrakech’s famous Djemaa el-Fna square, injuring at least two people.
7:21
An earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale
According to the Rabat-based National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST), the earthquake that struck Morocco last night is estimated at 7 on the Richter scale. According to local media, this is the largest value ever recorded in the country.
Its epicenter was in Al-Haouz province, southwest of the tourist city of Marrakesh.
7:19
An earthquake kills at least 296 people in Morocco
According to a preliminary report, at least 296 people died in a strong earthquake that devastated Morocco on Friday night.
“According to a preliminary estimate, 296 people died in this earthquake,” Moroccan authorities said.
At least 153 people were also injured in this earthquake.