Marcos expresses grief, solidarity for Morocco after deadly earthquake; offers help

President “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday said the Philippines stands in grief and solidarity with Morocco after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake on September 8 killed thousands of people.

“The Filipino people are deeply saddened to learn of the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that has tragically claimed over 2,000 lives in Morocco,” Marcos said in a statement.

“We stand in grief and solidarity with you, and our prayers go to the families affected by this tragedy,” he added.

Marcos said the Philippines is ready to offer assistance and support to Morocco for its quick recovery from the tragedy.

“We have faith in the strength and resilience of the Moroccan people to unite and rebuild in the face of such adversity,” he said.

The death toll from the earthquake, which is the deadliest earthquake in Morocco in more than six decades, rose to over 2,800, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Rescuers are still searching for survivors.

Survivors struggled to find food, water and shelter as relief workers faced the challenge of reaching the worst-affected areas in rugged mountain range.

The Philippine Embassy in Morocco earlier said no Filipinos were reported hurt or killed in the strong earthquake. Embassy personnel were also reported to be safe.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Secretary Paul Cortez earlier said despite the devastation caused by the earthquake, no Filipino has so far expressed intention to get repatriated from Morocco. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News