Emergency teams from Gift of the Givers are currently on standby following a deadly earthquake that claimed over 2 000 lives in Morocco.
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According to director Imtiaz Sooliman, search and rescue and medical teams are on standby to respond.
‘This is on condition the head of state makes an announcement requesting international assistance from the global community.’
‘Admirably, the government is managing the crisis internally.’
‘The armed forces and other sectors of society have been deployed.’
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‘From our understanding, offers of international aid have not been taken up yet.’
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Shortly before midnight on Friday, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Morocco near the town of Ighil in Al Haouz Province, some 70km southwest of Marrakesh, Xinhua News Agency reported.
While the death toll was initially reported at 300, it quickly rose into the thousands.
Morocco has not experienced a disaster of this magnitude since 2004, when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake hit the port city of Al Hoceima, killing around 630 people.
According to local media, rescuers have been dispatched to the earthquake-affected areas to look for survivors. Rescuers were seen in television footage sifting through debris and rubble.
Meanwhile, the South African presidency sent its condolences to the people of Morocco.
‘We are deeply saddened by the shocking loss of life and extend our deepest sympathies to the people of Morocco, and wish all survivors strength and a speedy recovery,’ said Deputy President Paul Mashatile on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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