10-9-2023 (SINGAPORE) In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in Morocco that claimed the lives of over 2,000 people, the Singaporean government has announced its commitment to relief efforts by pledging US$50,000 (equivalent to S$68,200). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued a statement on Sunday (September 10), reassuring that there have been no reports of Singaporeans affected by the earthquake.
Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, extending Singapore’s condolences, penned a heartfelt letter to his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita, on Saturday.
Expressing his deep sorrow over the tragic loss of life and the widespread damage inflicted upon the city of Marrakech and its surrounding areas, Dr. Balakrishnan stated, “On behalf of the government of Singapore, I would like to convey my deepest sympathies to the families of those affected by the disaster. I wish for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Morocco during this difficult time.”
The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck late on Friday in a mountainous region approximately 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, according to the US Geological Survey. This catastrophic event marked the deadliest earthquake in Morocco in over six decades.
The tremors, felt strongly in coastal cities such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Essaouira, resulted in widespread destruction, prompting residents and tourists to scramble to safety in the middle of the night.
The Moroccan interior ministry reported that more than 2,000 people were injured, with approximately 1,400 in critical condition. Troops and emergency services are diligently working to reach remote mountain villages where victims are still feared trapped.
The Singapore Red Cross, in response to this humanitarian crisis, has pledged US$50,000 in aid. Additionally, a fundraising campaign will be launched in the coming week. Benjamin William, CEO of the Singapore Red Cross, expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives, injuries, and damage to property and livelihoods, stating, “We are in touch with our sister National Society, and we will continue to closely assess the situation as it evolves over the next few days. We stand ready to provide further support to the emergency relief and recovery operations, including possibly deploying our responders on the ground.”
To aid Singapore residents in locating their immediate family members who may have been affected by the disaster, the Singapore Red Cross has activated its Restoring Family Links service.
Efforts in Morocco are also underway, with the Moroccan Red Crescent closely coordinating relief operations with local authorities. They are distributing essential items to affected communities, assisting in evacuations, transporting the wounded to hospitals, and providing first aid and psychological support. Paramedics and trained volunteers are administering immediate first aid to the injured. The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has dispatched emergency response units to assist with relief, water sanitation, and healthcare.
The regional blood transfusion centre in Marrakesh has appealed to residents for blood donations to aid the injured, as the nation rallies together in the face of this tragic disaster.
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