The World Bank expressed its full solidarity for Morocco in the wake of the devastating earthquake that recently struck the country, killing and injuring hundreds of people.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Morocco, who are suffering the effects of devastating earthquakes that have caused a tragic loss of life, injuries, and damages in the areas south of Marrakech,” the statement read.
The bank added: “We have relayed our profoundest condolences to the Kingdom at the highest levels and offered our full support to the country in the wake of this catastrophe.”
“Our sole focus at this stage is on the Moroccan people and the authorities who are dealing with this tragedy.”
The death toll from the powerful 6.8-magnitude earthquake has now surpassed 2,000, making it the deadliest quake to hit the North African country in decades.
Global leaders including US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron, China’s Xi Jinping, and Russian President Vladimir Putin also offered their condolences.
Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer offered assistance and aid, saying that the government was gearing up to send a disaster relief unit “as soon as a corresponding request comes.
“We stand by the people of Morocco in this difficult situation,” Nehammer said.
“This is terrible news from Morocco,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X. “In these difficult hours, our thoughts are with the victims of the devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes to all those affected by this natural disaster.”