Morocco earthquake: Which countries are providing aid to Marrakech?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, on Saturday, said that he was “extremely pained” by the quake’s impact and offered “all possible assistance” to Morocco.

Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 9, 2023

Here’s a quick look at the countries sending in foreign aid to Morroco.

Spain

Spain’s Emergency Military Unit is already on site with two teams — one comprising 56 officers and four sniffer dogs, and the other of 30 people and 4 dogs. This follows a formal request for help from the Morocco government, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told Reuters.

United States

The US has offered to lend a helping hand to Morocco, with President Joe Biden telling reporters, “We stand ready to provide any necessary assistance for the Moroccan people.” As per reports, a team has been sent to the country to assist in identifying the humanitarian needs and working with the local government on filling the gaps.

Britain

The British are sending a 4-person medical assessment team, 60 search and rescue specialists and 4 dogs to the quake-hit region.

France

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was in New Delhi to attend the G20 Summit this weekend, offered his nation’s support for rescue efforts. “Moroccan authorities know exactly what can be delivered, the nature (of what can be delivered) and the timing … We are at their disposal. We did everything we could do … The second they request this aid, it will be deployed,” Macron said.

France and Morocco have a long history of colonial nature, and the former is home to several French-speaking Moroccons who have already started working together to provide aid and support.

Algeria

Algeria and Morocco have had a historically up-and-down relationship, and the diplomatic ties between the two nations were severed two years ago over the Pegasus scandal. However, after the quake, Algeria said it will open up its airspace for humanitarian and medical fights to the neighbouring nation, and expressed willingness to provide aid if Morocco raises such a request.

Tunisia

Tunisia has provided a team of around 50 paramedics and personnel from a specialised unit, search dogs, advanced thermal monitoring devices, a drone to detect victims under the rubble and a field hospital.

Turkey

Turkey, which had itself faced a deadly earthquake earlier this year, has promised to send 1,000 tents and 265 aid workers from its disaster management agency if Morocco calls for international assistance.

Besides these nations, Kuwait, Oman and Taiwan have also offered to provide aid and support to Morocco.

(With inputs from Reuters, Associated Press)