Morocco’s King Mohammed VI sent a formal thank you to the heads of the British, Spanish, Qatari, and Emirati rescue teams who have been on the ground in Morocco providing emergency assistance shortly after the devastating earthquake that struck a huge swath of central and south Morocco on September 8.
The Monarch expressed his heartfelt thanks to the National Coordinator of the UK’s International Search and Rescue Team Russell Gauden, the Head of the Spanish Military Rescue Unit Lieutenant-Colonel Juan Saldana, the leader of the Emirati rescue team Major General Ali Al Matou, and the leader of the Qatari team Major Khalid Abdullah Al Hamidi, as well as to all team members for their valiant efforts to save lives, to search for survivors, and to provide humanitarian aid.
The sovereign thanked them on behalf of all Moroccans, affirming that the Moroccan people will never forget their devotion, high sense of responsibility, and their rapid mobilization.
Although Morocco has offers from a number of governments around the world, Moroccan authorities to date have authorized search-and-rescue teams only from the United Kingdom, Qatar, Spain, and the United Arab Emirates.
The official death toll of the earthquake is 2,946, with 5,674 injured, according to the latest update from the Interior Ministry.
Several Moroccan national institutions have committed funds to help with earthquake relief including the Moroccan Real Estate Agency (ANCFCC), the Moroccan Prison Administration (DGAPR), the National Company of Radio and Television (SNRT), and the National Highway Company of Morocco (ADM).