France sends $5 million, China provides urgent humanitarian assistance

Many countries have been quick to send condolences and support to Morocco after the devastating earthquake that killed more than 2,000 people.

(09.11) Thương vong từ trận động đất tối ngày 8/9 tại Morocco hiện đã vượt con số 2.000 người. (Nguồn: AFP)

The death toll from the earthquake in Morocco on the evening of September 8 has now exceeded 2,000 people.

On September 11, the Government confirmed its commitment to spend 5 million Euros (5.4 million USD) to support organizations present in Morocco to overcome the consequences of the terrible earthquake a few days ago.

In an interview with BFM (France), Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said the money would be transferred to relief organizations operating in the disaster area. However, she refused to answer questions about Rabat not having made an official request for aid to Paris. Foreign Minister Colonna declared that Morocco is a “sovereign” country and “determines its own needs”.

Asked why Morocco accepted official aid from Spain and Britain, but not from France, Foreign Minister Colonna replied that “this debate is irrelevant”, because “the people are suffering and need help”.

Earlier in the day, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin declared Morocco a "brotherly" country, capable of handling the rescue effort on its own.

Relations between Paris and Rabat are currently strained, largely because of President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to strengthen ties with Morocco’s neighbor Algeria. Macron’s planned visit to Morocco has yet to be confirmed, and the ambassador’s post in Rabat has been vacant for months.

For its part, on the same day, Chinese state media reported that the Red Cross Society of China will give the Moroccan Red Crescent Society $200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance. The donation will be used to help Morocco carry out rescue and disaster relief work.

Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco. The message said he was shocked to learn of the severe earthquake that caused many casualties.

On the evening of September 8, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Morocco. The epicenter of the earthquake was located more than 70 km southwest of the famous tourist city of Marrakesh. The disaster claimed the lives of at least 2,122 people, injured more than 2,400, and flattened entire villages in the hills of the Atlas Mountains.

On September 9, the Moroccan state news agency (MAP) quoted a statement from a meeting chaired by King Mohamed VI on the same day stating: "Three days of national mourning have been decided, with flags flying at half-mast on all public buildings."

Upon hearing the news of the earthquake that occurred on September 8 in Ighil, Morocco, killing and injuring many people, on September 9, President Vo Van Thuong sent a message of condolences to King Mohamed VI of Morocco; Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh sent a message of condolences to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch; National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue sent a message of condolences to Senate President Naam Miyara and House of Representatives President Rachid Talbi Alami.

On the same day, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son sent a message of condolences to Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan expatriates Nasser Bourita.

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