Govt Saves 9 Kenyans As Morocco Earthquake Death Toll Crosses 2,000

The Kenyan government on Saturday, September 9 rescued nine Kenyans who were previously trapped in Morocco following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the North African country on Friday, September 8.

In a statement, Ministry of Sports Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ababu Namwamba revealed that the national Judo Team had safely returned to the country following interventions by Kenyan government authorities.

The CS also extended his condolences to the Moroccan citizens affected by the earthquake, which has so far claimed more than 2,000 lives.

Namwamba noted that a total of nine Kenyans were stuck in the North African country. They included six Judo players, along with a coach, Federation Treasurer and a Sports, Arts, and Social Development Fund (SASDF) officer. 

"Following the tragic earthquake in Morroco yesterday, we are pleased to confirm that the whole Judo #TeamKenya of 6 players, coach, Federation Treasurer and SASDF officer are all safe and travelling back tomorrow. Our deepest condolences to the government and the people of Morocco," stated the CS.

Morocco's devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake which struck the country late on Friday night has so far killed 2,012 people, a death toll likely to rise, making it the deadliest the country has seen in decades.

2,059 are injured and around 1,404 others remain in critical condition, according to Morocco's state TV Al Aoula.

The earthquake struck at around 11:11 p.m. local time (12.11 a.m. Kenyan Time), with the epicentre being in the High Atlas mountains, about 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a popular tourist city of about 840,000 people.

Not since 2004 has the country seen a comparable disaster, when a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck the port city of Al Hoceima, leaving around 630 people dead and causing widespread damage.

Morocco's worst earthquake of modern times was in 1960 near the western city of Agadir which killed at least 12,000 people.

In response to this devastating event, King Mohammed VI of Morocco declared three days of national mourning, with many left homeless following the country’s deadliest earthquake in more than 60 years.

President William Ruto was among the world leaders who led in conveying their condolences to the people of Morocco.

"Kenya stands with the people of Morocco as they deal with the devastating effects of the earthquake that struck their nation Friday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected," he stated.

A pile of rubble following an earthquake in Morocco on September 8, 2023. /GULF NEWS