Nach dem verheerenden ErdbebenMorocco has declared a three-day state mourning. According to the state news agency MAP, all public institutions are required to lower the national flags to half-mast, as stated in a communication from the royal court. Prior to this, King Mohammed VI reportedly held a crisis meeting with security officials to discuss the next steps.
Der König habe laut der Mitteilung allen „brüderlichen und befreundeten“ Ländern gedankt, die sich mit dem marokkanischen Volk solidarisierten und Bereitschaft zur Hilfe signalisierten. Bei dem Beben in der Nacht zum Samstag seien mindestens 2.012 Menschen gestorben und mehr als 2.059 weitere verletzt worden, wie das Staatsfernsehen unter Berufung auf das Innenministerium des nordafrikanischen Landes berichtet. Mehr als die Hälfte der Toten wurde den Angaben zufolge in der Provinz Al-Haouz südlich von Marrakesch gezählt. 1.404 der Verletzten befänden sich in Lebensgefahr. Das Erdbeben war das verheerendste seit mehreren Jahrzehnten in MarokkoIt is expected that the number of victims will continue to increase.
German organizations are preparing for potential assistance.
During the G20 summit in New Delhi, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) pledged assistance to the North African country. Currently, dozens of emergency personnel in Germany are prepared for a potential flight to the disaster area. The preparations of the Technical Relief Agency (THW) are underway, stated Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) to dpa. „Once we have more information on the specific aid needed, we can deploy our specialists to Morocco.“
A spokesperson for the THW stated, „Everything has been set in motion from our side.“ According to reports, over 50 emergency personnel and several search dogs have gathered near the Cologne/Bonn airport. However, the relief organization has not yet received a request for assistance from Morocco. Rescue teams from I.S.A.R. Germany and the Federal Association of Rescue Dogs are also on standby.
According to a spokesperson, the necessary equipment has already been assembled in the central warehouse of the two aid organizations in Hünxe, Lower Rhine. This includes large tents, tracking technology, rescue technology, and medical equipment. The relief organization Action Medeor is also preparing support for the affected area. Additionally, the organization CARE International is on-site and planning humanitarian aid measures, according to the „Germany helps“ campaign.