Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has said that Kenya stands with the people of Morocco following a deadly earthquake that has claimed over 800 lives.
The earthquake struck on Friday night and a rescue operation is currently ongoing.
“Kenya stands with the people of Morocco as they deal with the devastating effects of the earthquake that struck their nation Friday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected,” Ruto said in a statement on Saturday.
As of 3 pm on Saturday, more than 820 people had been reported dead as a result of the earthquake.
Many of the deaths were said to be in hard-to-reach mountain areas – and at least 153 people were injured.
The quake – measuring magnitude 6.8 – sent people rushing into the streets in Marrakesh and other cities.
It struck just after 23:00 local time, at a relatively shallow depth 71km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, according to the US Geological Survey.
The quake was felt in Rabat, Casablanca and several areas south of Marrakesh.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has said the UK was ready to support Morocco.
“My thoughts are with everyone affected by the terrible earthquake in Morocco last night,” he said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“The UK stands ready to support our Moroccan friends.”
US President Joe Biden has expressed his sympathy for the victims of an earthquake and said that the US was “ready to provide any necessary assistance”.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco,” he said in a statement.
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