Earthquake: UN Official commends Morocco’s history of building up response capacities as ‘distinguished’

The Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths,commended on Friday Morocco’s “distinguished” history of building up and investing in its own response capacities, highlighting, in this regard, the country’s action in the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake.

Morocco has mobilized “tremendous” resources to respond to the earthquake, pulling survivors from the rubble, providing medical care, and distributing essential aid, the UN official told reporters in Geneva.

Mr. Griffiths also highlighted “the incredible generosity of local organizations and volunteers from across the country.”

The United Nations “stands ready to support the immediate and longer-term national efforts, including on coordination,” he said.

Just a few hours after the earthquake, tremendous efforts had been made to get food and supplies to the stricken population by air and land.

Access to the stricken villages and hamlets was ensured thanks to the exemplary and continuous mobilization of the local authorities, the Royal Armed Forces, the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Moroccan Red Crescent, the Gendarmerie Royale, the Auxiliary Forces, the Civil Protection and other responders, in addition to civil society and citizens.