The earthquake that struck Morocco on the evening of Friday 8th September 2023 was devastating. With over two thousand people dead and thousands more injured, it has brought much sorrow and untold hardship to many families that lost their loved ones. It has thrown the nation and the people of Morocco into grief.
The distressing images emerging from Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal and Agadir, have touched the hearts of people around the world.
I am shocked and profoundly distressed by the heavy loss of lives in this tragedy, which left in its wake enormous destruction of homes, offices, roads, hospitals, and schools.
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 affected family. 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 is prepared to provide much-needed support.
Given the remoteness of the epicentre of the earthquake, the African Development Bank is prioritising support for the protection of health facilities and the provision of clean drinking water, to prevent further hardship.
I wish to assure His Majesty King Mohammed VI and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco that the African Development Bank Group is ready to contribute resources and expertise to help rebuild infrastructure in the affected communities.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace. May God Almighty comfort all bereaved families and the nation in mourning. We wish a speedy recovery to all who have been injured.
