Morocco Declares 3 Days of Mourning as Quake Toll Exceeds 2,000 Deaths

Morocco’s royal palace announced the decision late Saturday evening.

In an official statement released by the MAP news agency, it was declared that Morocco would observe a three-day period of national mourning, during which all public buildings would fly flags at half-mast.

King Mohammed VI presided over a meeting addressing the disaster, emphasizing the importance of providing essential necessities such as accommodation and food, particularly for orphans and vulnerable individuals.

The statement also expressed Morocco’s sincere gratitude to brotherly and friendly countries that had shown solidarity and offered assistance during this extraordinary situation.

Leaders of the European Union extended their condolences to Morocco’s King Mohammed IV, pledging their readiness to provide any necessary assistance, expressing deep sadness for the tragic consequences of the earthquake.

The Interior Ministry of Morocco reported a death toll of 2,012 as of late Saturday, with ongoing rescue operations. Additionally, 2,059 people were injured, including 1,404 in critical condition.

Hossam Elsharkawi, a senior Red Cross official for the region, anticipated that it might take the entire weekend, or even longer, to fully assess the extent of the damage to both people and property.

Many families in Marrakech spent a second night on the streets, concerned about their safety following the deadliest earthquake in Morocco in over half a century. Some sought shelter in open spaces away from the city’s historic medina, while others awaited expert assessments before returning to their homes.