Abijdan – The African Development Bank on Sunday announced that it “stands in solidarity” with Morocco, which was hit by a devastating earthquake, and “stands ready to provide much-needed support”.
The earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday, (8 September 2023), has claimed thousands of lives.
“With over two thousand people dead and hundreds injured, it has brought much sorrow and untold hardships to many families that lost their loved ones,” lamented the African Development Bank.
“It has thrown the nation and the people of Morocco in much grief.”
Distressing images emanating from Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal and Agadir, have touched the hearts of people around the world.
Commenting on the tragedy, African Development Bank Group’s President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina said: “I am shocked and profoundly distressed by the heavy loss of lives in this tragedy, which also left in its wake the enormous destruction of homes, offices, roads, hospitals, schools and infrastructure”.
Dr. Adesina added: “On behalf of the African Development Bank Group, I extend my deepest condolences to his Majesty King Mohammed VI, the government of the Kingdom of Morocco, and every family mourning the loss of loved ones.
“Words can scarcely convey our shared sense of grief and loss.
“With our team on the ground, the African Development Bank stands in solidarity with the people of the Kingdom of Morocco and stands ready to provide much-needed support.”
Given the remoteness of the epicentre of the earthquake, Dr. Adesina said the African Development Bank was prioritising support for the protection of health facilities and the provision of clean drinking water, to prevent further hardships.
“I wish to assure his Majesty King Mohammed VI and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco that the African Development Bank Group stands ready to contribute resources and expertise to help rebuild the affected infrastructure in the communities,” Dr. Adesina.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace. May God Almighty comfort all the families that have lost their loved ones and the nation in mourning. We wish a speedy recovery to all that have been injured.”
Morocco has declared three days of mourning.
