Biden offers condolences for Morocco as death toll from earthquake surpasses 2,000

President Biden offered his condolences to the people of Morocco on Saturday night, as the death toll from Friday’s massive earthquake surpassed 2,000.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the earthquake in Morocco,” the president said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all those impacted by this terrible hardship.” 

Biden added that the administration is working to ensure American citizens in Morocco are safe and stands prepared to provide “any necessary assistance.”

“The United States stands by Morocco and my friend King Mohammed VI at this difficult moment,” he said.

At least 2,012 people were killed as the result of a 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck about 50 miles south of Marrakech, Morocco’s Interior Ministry said on Saturday, according to The Associated Press. More than 2,000 others were wounded in the temblor, including about 1,400 who were critically injured.

The earthquake, which was the strongest to hit the country in 120 years, also damaged several historic structures in Marrakech’s old city, AP reported.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken similarly offered his “heartfelt condolences” to the families of those affected by the earthquake in a statement on Saturday.

“The United States is ready to provide any necessary assistance as Morocco responds to this tragedy,” Blinken wrote in a statement.

“Our thoughts are with the Moroccan people, and we offer our unwavering support and solidarity to our Moroccan partners at this tragic time,” he added.