PM Modi condoles loss of lives in Morocco quake, offers all possible help

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed his deep pain over the loss of lives in Morocco which was struck by a strong 6.8-magnitude earthquake late on Friday.

At least 296 people were killed and 153 injured in the quake, causing damage to buildings and sending panicking people into the streets.

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, PM Modi said, “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.”

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

“India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time,” he added.

The quake struck 44 miles (71 kilometres) southwest of Marrakesh at a depth of 18.5 kilometres at 11:11 pm (2211 GMT), the US Geological Survey said.

“According to a provisional report, the earthquake killed 296 people in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua and Taroudant,” the interior ministry said in a statement, adding that 153 people were injured and hospitalised.