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Dubai Chamber’s ‘In Focus’ Reaches Morocco, Senegal

The session was attended by 95 representatives of private sector companies from the emirate…reports Asian Lite News

Dubai International Chamber, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has successfully hosted the latest edition of its “In Focus” initiative to provide Dubai-based companies with a deeper understanding of the trade and investment landscapes in Morocco and Senegal, as well as opportunities throughout North and West Africa.

The session was attended by 95 representatives of private sector companies from the emirate.

“In Focus” provides a platform for Dubai businesses to engage with public and private sector leaders from selected markets to promote cross-border partnerships and drive mutual business growth.

Participants benefit from access to first-hand information on the targeted countries and regions, in addition to expert guidance on international expansion including market intelligence, business introductions, and company set-up processes.

The Morocco and Senegal “In Focus” event enabled Dubai-based companies to connect with key stakeholders from both countries to explore trade and investment opportunities and highlighted the support Dubai International Chamber offers to businesses aiming to expand their operations into key African markets.

Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, commented, “Africa is home to some of the world’s fastest-growing economies and holds tremendous potential for greater private sector engagement. We have been organising events and trade missions to support Dubai-based businesses in accessing African markets. This edition of ‘In Focus’ is dedicated to highlighting growth opportunities in Morocco and Senegal while deepening trade and investment links between Dubai and the two markets.”

Lootah added, “Supporting the expansion of Dubai businesses into these two key emerging markets aligns with our strategic focus on boosting foreign trade to achieve the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of the economy over the coming decade.”

The event featured a presentation outlining the key synergies between Dubai and the African continent, with a focus on the promising avenues for Dubai companies in Morocco and Senegal. This was followed by an engaging session on doing business in the two countries and potential trade and investment opportunities, together with the various government initiatives and measures implemented to foster a conducive business environment.

The event concluded with a session where business matching experts explained the objectives of the forthcoming ‘New Horizons’ trade missions to Morocco and Senegal, outlined the registration and shortlisting process, and addressed any mission-related questions. As a result, the event successfully attracted strong interest and registrations for the upcoming trade missions.

Dubai Chambers has identified aluminium and fruits and nuts as high-potential import sectors to Morocco, in addition to agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, and tourism as high-potential sectors for investment in Senegal.

“In Focus” serves as a prelude to the “New Horizons” initiative, in which the chamber organises tailor-made trade missions to selected countries. These roadshows offer an engaging combination of meetings with key stakeholders in each country, site visits to industrial and economic zones, and cultural activities. In 2023, the chamber successfully led several “New Horizons” tratrade missions to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia; London in the United Kingdom; Johannesburg in South Africa; Kenya and Rwanda in East Africa; Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria in West Africa; and Hong Kong.

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Morocco Joins Regional Industrial Partnership

Kingdom of Morocco became the fifth country to join the partnership aimed at strengthening regional industrial integration….reports Asian Lite News

In the presence of Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the fourth meeting of the Higher Committee of the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development began today in Manama, Bahrain. During the proceedings, the Kingdom of Morocco became the fifth country to join the partnership aimed at strengthening regional industrial integration.

The meetings were held with the participation of Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Engineer Ahmed Samir Saleh, Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Trade, Yousef Al Shamali, Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, and Riyad Mazour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade.

The Executive Committee of the Industrial Partnership for Sustainable Economic Development held meetings with officials, including industry and trade undersecretaries from the partner countries, on 10 January 2024 to discuss the progress of current projects and new proposals.

The industrial partnership has received robust support from member countries since its launch in Abu Dhabi in May 2022. President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised the partnership’s role as a framework for cooperation and integration in the region, accelerating sustainable development, strengthening crisis resilience and increasing self-sufficiency in critical areas such as food, health, energy and industry among others. The launch ceremony was witnessed by His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court, Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan and Dr. Moustafa Madbouly, Prime Minister of Egypt.

During the meeting, UAE’s W Motors, the strategic partner of NWTN Motors, and Jordan’s Manaseer Group signed an agreement to establish an electric car manufacturing plant in Jordan, with an investment value of $80 million.

Additionally, Manaseer Group and Bahrain’s Alba signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to supply 13,000 tons of aluminum fluoride annually, contributing to an import substitution value of $20 million. Bahrain’s Alba also signed an MoU with Jordan Phosphate Mines for silica supply, contributing to an import substitution value of $66 million.

Bahrain Steel signed a supply agreement with Emirates Steel, which will purchase 2 million tons of raw materials over five years, valued at $2 billion. A MoU was also signed between the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) and Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce leveraging the UAE’s National In-Country Value (ICV) Program. The initiative is aimed at sharing best practices with respect to local content programs.

Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, stressed the Bahraini government’s commitment to the development of the industrial sector, embodied by the event being hosted in Manama under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain. He pointed to the event’s role in achieving industrial integration among the member countries in line with Bahrain’s Industrial Sector Strategy 2022-26.

He said: “The meeting saw the signing of a memorandum of cooperation under the National In-Country Program between the Ministry of Industry and Commerce and the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, a key industrial enabler for procurement competitiveness and import substitution in both countries.”

He welcomed the addition of Morocco to the partnership, which is a key industrial and economic player in the region.

In his opening remarks at the meeting, Dr. Al Jaber relayed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, as well as his wishes for the partnership’s further success, especially in strengthening relations between countries to leverage competitive advantages.

He said: “We welcome the Kingdom of Morocco’s addition to the partnership, given its leading industrial and economic status, and achievements across various sectors – particularly industry – which is vital to supporting investment opportunities. In the UAE, we believe that forming strategic partnerships is a fundamental pillar of achieving national economic, social, and developmental objectives. This integrated industrial partnership, originating in Abu Dhabi in May 2022, is a model of successful regional partnerships.

“We are pleased to witness the announcement and signing of five new projects and export agreements in priority sectors, with a total value of approximately $2.2 billion, enhancing cooperation between the UAE’s Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce in line with the National ICV Program.”

He continued: “The new projects solidify our countries’ ability to integrate, build a common industrial base, support the flexibility of supply chains, reduce production costs, enhance research and development, and train a new generation in the industrial and technological fields. Additionally, they contribute to creating thousands of jobs in the industrial sector. We look forward to launching more innovative projects to achieve the partnership’s strategic goals.”

He noted: “The partnership has made significant progress in encouraging cooperation and boosting industrial partnership opportunities. We are confident that it will contribute to enhancing integration and growth in the industrial sector on the regional level, supporting efforts for sustainable economic development.”

He added: “Strengthening industrial cooperation and coordination efforts between our countries achieves several goals, including supporting sustainable economic development, creating more investment opportunities in the region, increasing the industrial sector’s contribution to our countries’ GDP, supporting import substitution, promoting self-sufficiency, and empowering future industries through advanced technologies, research and development.”

He concluded: “The UAE hosted COP28 in December, which achieved unprecedented success, embodied by the historic UAE Consensus, which signaled a new era in global climate action. The plan aims to keep 1.5°C within reach by reducing emissions while creating opportunities for sustainable economic and social growth. Here, I would like to emphasize the importance of our collective role in supporting this agreement by decarbonizing the industrial sector, adopting renewable energy solutions, promoting the adoption of clean technology solutions in our projects and leveraging significant opportunities in sustainable manufacturing.”

Yousef Al Shamali, Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply welcomed each of the ministers and emphasized the partnership’s importance in accelerating sustainable economic development in the region.

He said: “The partnership is a regional model for enhancing sustainable economic growth and development through strategic planning. A key aspect of the partnership is leveraging raw materials in Arab countries, which represent 75% of their global exports, to build an industrial system that uplifts economies.”

Engineer Ahmed Samir Saleh, Egypt’s Minister of Industry and Trade, welcomed Morocco to the partnership, stressing that Egypt is looking forward to the cooperation and to building upon the country’s competitive advantages, vision and investments.

He emphasised Egypt’s commitment to the projects launched under the partnership, which will benefit from each partner countries’ industrial capabilities and contribute to sustainable economic growth amid a turbulent global economy.

Riyad Mazour, Morocco’s Minister of Industry and Trade, said: “Joining the industrial partnership is in line with the vision of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, to strengthen cooperation and achieve greater economic development. It will contribute to sustainable economic development; it also represents an opportunity for us to further integrate and develop projects that generate growth and employment opportunities for national talent.”

Morocco is expected to bring significant value to the partnership, given the country’s advanced industrial capabilities, particularly in the automotive, renewable energy, aviation, textiles, pharmaceuticals, phosphate, mining and food industries, in addition to its strong talent base, advanced infrastructure, and global partnerships.

Morocco’s GDP exceeded $134 billion in 2022. The country’s industrial sector provides more than 1 million jobs, through some 121,000 companies. Additionally, there has been an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the manufacturing sector.

Morocco has entered several strategic agreements with other countries, including free trade agreements providing access to more than 100 countries representing 2.3 billion consumers. Ongoing industrial modernization and development plans have enhanced its competitiveness, boosting investor confidence and establishing Morocco as a regional destination for manufacturing and industrial investment.

Industry is a key sector in Morocco and has seen significant development in recent years with a focus on automotive, renewable energy, aviation, textiles, pharmaceuticals, phosphates, mining, and food industries.

Morocco is accelerating the sector’s development, implementing a new industrial policy aimed at increasing its contribution to GDP to 23% by 2030, creating more than 500,000 new job opportunities, and investing billions of dollars in renewable energy projects.

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7 Arab Nations Excel in Achieving SDG Targets

The ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ highlighted that UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets…reports Asian Lite News

Seven of the 22 Arab countries – specifically, the UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco – have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets in the journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

This key achievement was highlighted in a report by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The report – ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ – aligns with the Year of Sustainability and building on the recent COP28 discussions.

This pivotal report is a key resource for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a comprehensive means to track and measure progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, it identifies key implementation challenges and data gaps, providing a solid foundation for developing actionable strategies.

Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said, “The report reflects MBRSG’s dedication to empowering governments with innovative and proactive policies to meet various challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances at local, regional, and global levels,” he added.

Dr. Al Marri explained, “The report sheds light on the various development challenges confronting the Arab region, particularly its least developed countries. By adopting a data-driven approach, it offers a practical tool for targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive transformations across the region in relation to all Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of the Policy Research Department at MBRSG and co-author of the report, stated, “The index, with its data-driven insights, underscores significant regional challenges and priorities. It calls for concerted efforts in the upcoming years to expedite development across diverse regional paths.” He also highlighted the importance of leveraging COP28 outcomes for unified regional progress towards a sustainable future.

Despite some regional advancements, the report highlights substantial ongoing obstacles in various developmental sectors within the Arab region. It calls for intensive efforts and the adoption of regional strategies to bridge existing gaps and foster progress towards a more sustainable future.

The report particularly highlights challenges in achieving gender equality (SDG 5), where all Arab countries have shown low performance, and the impact of conflicts on realising SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). It calls for increased collective efforts to enhance gender equality policies, strengthen institutions, and tackle conflict-related issues.

Additionally, the report notes advancements in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) in some Arab countries, especially in basic health outcomes like neonatal and under-five mortality rates, and improvements in sectors related to SDG 4 (quality education).

Lama Zakzak, Principal Researcher at MBRSG and co-author, stressed the importance of the report’s findings on SDG 13 (climate action). She pointed out that while some countries have made progress in climate action, the least developed are still vulnerable to climate disasters and require significant support for climate-related goals, including adaptation measures.

Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the UN SDSN, commented, “This updated report offers a renewed assessment of the SDG progress and challenges in the Arab region, based on transparent and internationally recognized data.” He stressed the urgency of developing long-term investment strategies and ambitious plans with effective monitoring systems to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The report also identifies the ongoing challenge of data availability, especially in monitoring SDGs related to poverty eradication and inequality reduction. It includes 113 indicators for the 17 SDGs, each with a score, colour-coding for performance levels, and trend arrows.

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India News

FM Sitharaman to Attend WB-IMF, G20 Meetings in Morocco

In a high-level event organised by USA Treasury, Union Finance Minister will engage in a Roundtable Discussion on “IMF policy priorities and how the institution should support its membership”…reports Asian Lite News

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will leave today for an official visit to attend the annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), along with G20 meetings at Marrakech in Morocco.

During the visit, the Finance Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with Indonesia, Morocco, Brazil, Switzerland, Germany and France, besides other associated meetings, scheduled to take place from October 11-15 in Marrakech.

The annual meetings will be attended by Finance Ministers and Central Bankers from across the world. The Indian delegation will be led by the Finance Minister and will comprise officials from the Ministry of Finance and the Reserve Bank of India.

Finance Minister Sitharaman and RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das will co-chair the fourth G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meeting which will witness the participation of 65 delegations from G20 countries, invitee countries, and international organisations in multilateral discussions centered around a broad spectrum of important global issues.

The fourth G20 FMCBG meeting will discuss ways to strengthen Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) to address shared challenges of the 21st Century and also take up the issue of crypto assets.

During the meeting, the Volume 2 of the Report on strengthening MDBs by the Independent Expert Group will also be released. Volume 1 was release during the 3rd FMCBG held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

On the sidelines of the fourth G20 FMCBG meeting, principals from Indian G20 Presidency, International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank will co-chair Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable on 12th October 2023. The roundtable will discuss the progress made on debt restructuring and explore ways and means to support work of G20 countries.

In a high-level event organised by USA Treasury, Union Finance Minister will engage in a Roundtable Discussion on “IMF policy priorities and how the institution should support its membership”.

The Union Finance Minister will also participate in a discussion on Partnership for “Resilient and Inclusive Supply-chain Enhancement” (RISE) – with the World Bank Group, organised by the G7 Japan Presidency.

On the margins of the IMF-WB Annual Meetings in Marrakech, finance minister Sitharaman will participate in a discussion on macroeconomic outlook during a G7 Africa Ministerial Roundtable.

Sitharaman will also deliver the keynote address at a session on “MDBs evolution,” co-hosted by German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and Center for Global Development.

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-Top News UAE News

UAE Space Agency supports relief efforts in Morocco

This stems from the UAE Space Agency’s belief in the importance of international cooperation and human solidarity in facing natural disasters…reports Asian Lite News

The Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform project team within the UAE Space Agency’s “Space Data Centre”, and in cooperation with Bayanat, contributed to submitting several analysis reports published on the International Charter Space and Major Disasters website, as part of the international efforts aimed at mitigating the repercussions of the earthquake that struck Morocco recently.

This stems from the UAE Space Agency’s belief in the importance of international cooperation and human solidarity in facing natural disasters.

The reports of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform project team, available among other reports from a number of national and international space agencies and entities, contributed to assessing the extent of the damage resulting from the devastating Morocco earthquake, developing effective relief and rescue plans, in addition to constantly monitoring the situation.

These efforts reflect the achievements that can be made through the use of space technologies, as well as the role of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters as a vital tool for using space technologies in times of disasters for the extended benefit of humanity.

The UAE Space Agency’s partnership with Bayanat comes within the framework of developing and operating the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform, one of the transformational projects announced by the UAE government, with the aim of facilitating access to satellite data to employ space technologies in developing solutions that support national and global challenges in the form of satellite data and value-added services (VAS) applications.

Salem Butti Salem Al Qubaisi, Director-General of the UAE Space Agency, said that international cooperation in the field of responding to natural disasters constitutes an urgent necessity and requires immediate and coordinated responses among the concerned authorities at the regional and international levels.

He stressed that the reports of the Geo-Spatial Analytics Platform assisted international relief efforts in Morocco, as they contributed in helping Moroccan authorities and rescue teams to assess the extent of the damage and plan relief operations efficiently and effectively.

The UAE, represented by the UAE Space Agency, officially signed the “International Charter on Space and Major Disasters”, becoming the 17th member globally and the first Arab country to obtain this prestigious membership, which supports global efforts to provide a unified system for obtaining space data and presenting it to countries affected by various disasters.

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Arab Nations Unite in Aid for Libya, Morocco

Picture shows UAE aid plane at Benina Airport in Benghazi city in Libya, carrying rescue teams and urgent relief & medical aid. (Photo: WAM)

Five Emirati planes arrived in Benghazi, carrying three rescue teams, urgent relief and medical aid, as part of the air bridge launched by the UAE to provide relief to the Libya…reports Asian Lite News

North Africa has been hit by two devastating disasters within three days, sparking a global outpouring of aid and support. First, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck Morocco in the Atlas Mountains, leaving a trail of destruction. Then, catastrophic flooding in crisis-stricken Libya added to the region’s woes.

On Friday, the earthquake wreaked havoc about 70 km south of Marrakech, flattening entire villages and claiming the lives of over 2,900 people, with countless more left homeless. This marked Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 1960 and the most powerful in over a century. Isolated farming communities in Al-Haouz province found themselves cut off from assistance, prompting a swift international response.

As aid agencies and donor nations mobilised to aid Morocco, another catastrophe unfolded in Libya. Storm Daniel caused two river dams to burst, sending a massive surge of water crashing through the coastal city of Derna. The devastation was immense, with buildings, vehicles, and people swept into the sea. The confirmed death toll exceeded 5,000, while thousands remained missing.

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered aid flights to Morocco and expressed their solidarity with the Moroccan people. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi declared a three-day mourning period and directed military personnel to provide humanitarian aid, including rescue teams, relief supplies, and shelter camps for both Libya and Morocco.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan responded swiftly by dispatching urgent relief and search-and-rescue teams to Libya, sending two aid planes carrying 150 tons of essential supplies.

Later, five Emirati planes arrived at Benina Airport in Benghazi city, carrying three rescue teams, urgent relief and medical aid, as part of the air bridge launched by the UAE to provide relief to the Libyan people.

The 64-member search and rescue team has started their missions with the necessary machinery, equipment and devices. The total number of relief and medical supplies transported by planes from the UAE to Libya reached 200 tonnes.

Kuwait and Jordan also contributed to the relief efforts, with Kuwait sending 40 tons of supplies to Libya and Jordan dispatching a military plane loaded with food, tents, blankets, and mattresses. The international community has rallied to support North Africa during this time of dual crisis.

Meanwhile, UAE’s etisalat by e& announced free calls from UAE networks to Libya as a expression of solidarity to support customers, colleagues and their loved ones affected by the floods demonstrating its commitment to ongoing efforts in the country.

etisalat by e& UAE customers who are Libyan nationals will receive 30 free international minutes to call for a week until 20th September, and while all its customers who are on the roaming network in Libya will benefit from unlimited outgoing minutes and 30 incoming minutes for six days.

This is in line with etisalat by e&’s commitment to supporting UAE government’s flood relief efforts and joining hands to making a lasting impact and bringing stability to the affected communities, according to a statement.

Social responsibility and community support is a core of part of its operations especially at this critical moment where collective actions make a meaningful different in the lives of those affected and work towards recovery and healing, the statement added.

Death toll rises

More than 6000 people have lost their lives due to heavy flooding that caused massive devastation across Libya, reported CNN.

The death toll was revised on Wednesday morning local time, according to health ministry undersecretary of the Unity Government in Tripoli, Saadeddin Abdul Wakil.

According to workers, mortuaries are overflowing in hospitals that are still closed despite the pressing need to treat disaster survivors. As per Egypt’s emigration ministry, the government buried 87 Egyptian victims who died in Libya.

Authorities fear 10,000 more people remain missing, maybe swept out to sea or buried beneath rubble strewn over the metropolis that formerly housed over 100,000 people.

The flooding in Derna has displaced over 30,000 people, according to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya. The extensive damage to the region’s infrastructure has rendered some affected areas inaccessible to humanitarian organisations, CNN reported.

ALSO READ: Libya Floods: 6,000 Dead, 30,000 Displaced

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UAE Provides Aid To Quake-Hit Morocco

He extended condolences and sympathy to the Moroccan people and the families of the victims, and wished speedy recovery for the injured…reports Asian Lite News

King Mohammed VI of the Kingdom of Morocco, during which he expressed condolences and sympathy over the victims of the earthquake that affected several regions in Morocco.

The President also affirmed the UAE’s solidarity with Morocco and its support for its people during this difficult time.

He extended condolences and sympathy to the Moroccan people and the families of the victims, and wished speedy recovery for the injured.

Meanwhile, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC) Authority, has directed the ERC to provide urgent humanitarian aid to Morocco.

The ERC began implementing the relief programme by providing sizable quantities of essential supplies, including tents, blankets, food, medical stuff and hygiene kits. The ERC’s Emergency Room is working to assess the humanitarian conditions in the affected areas, considering the urgent needs of the people, affected by the disaster.

The ERC is currently making arrangements and coordination procedures with the UAE Embassy in Rabat as well as other competent Moroccan authorities. This is being done to ensure that aid is delivered as expeditiously as possible and that they meet the needs of those affected by the natural disaster.

Sheikh Hamdan’s directives reflect the UAE’s key and influential role in strengthening the response to humanitarian crises around the world. The UAE is at the forefront of countries that use their capabilities to mitigate the damage caused by natural disasters by quickly and effectively acting purely out of humanitarian considerations.

The Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra had offered his condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco and the people and government of his country for the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake, praying to Allah Almighty to comfort the families of the deceased and to give them strength during this difficult time. He also prayed for the injured to have a quick and complete recovery.

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Morocco Earthquake Toll Rises to 2,122 Dead, 2,421 Injured

According to the World Health Organization estimates, the disaster has affected more than 300,000 people in the ancient old city and its outskirts…reports Asian Lite News

At least 2,122 people have been killed and 2,421 injured since a massive earthquake struck central Morocco on Friday night, according to the latest update from the Moroccan Interior Ministry.

The deaths include 1,351 people reported in the Al Haouz Province, 492 in Taroudant Province, 201 in Chichaoua, and 17 in Marrakesh, added the ministry in a press release on Sunday.

Moroccan troops and emergency services were reportedly struggling to reach the most affected areas in the Atlas Mountains region, as roads leading up there were blocked by fallen boulders, Xinhua news agency reported, citing local media.

Earlier in the day, Marrakesh’s residents told reporters that aftershocks could still be felt.

According to the World Health Organization estimates, the disaster has affected more than 300,000 people in the ancient old city and its outskirts.

The number of casualties is expected to rise. The Moroccan Red Crescent (MRC) has said the situation on the ground posed a vast challenge to search and rescue efforts, and “getting heavy machinery into those remote areas of the Atlas Mountains to help with that is a priority”.

As more people were being pulled out of the rubble, the MRC and other first responders were working around the clock to identify and prioritize the most severe cases, the MRC said in a statement.

The earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km, according to the US Geological Survey.

Rescuers Scramble to Find Survivors

Rescuers are racing against time to search for survivors after a deadly 6.8-magnitude earthquake wreaked havoc in central Morocco.

The strong tremor, which struck the ancient city of Marrakesh on Friday night, has killed more than 2,000 people.

Rescuers on Sunday were seen struggling to reach the most affected areas in the Atlas Mountains region as roads leading up there were blocked by fallen boulders, Xinhua news agency reported.

Makeshift tents were pitched up to shelter local residents, who had spent two nights outdoors for fear of more aftershocks.

“We need food and cover, they are the most important to us for now,” Amin, without giving his full name, told the news agency.

He added that being stranded outdoors for another cold night was particularly difficult for elders and the children.

The earthquake hit Morocco Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km, according to the US Geological Survey.

The death toll has risen to 2,012, among whom 1,293 were reported in Al Haouz and 452 were in the Taroudant Province. The quake left some 2,059 people injured, with 1,404 in severe condition, the Moroccan Interior Ministry said in its latest update.

The World Health Organization estimated that more than 300,000 people in Marrakesh and its outskirts were affected by the disaster.

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No Reports of Indian Nationals Affected in Morocco Quake

Issuing an advisory in the aftermath of the quake on Saturday, the Embassy of India in Rabat urged its nationals to reach out to them for any assistance…reports Asian Lite News

Stating that it is in touch with the community, the Embassy of India in Morocco has said that till now there is no report of any of its nationals getting affected in the earthquake in the North African nation that has killed over 2,000 people.

The earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 pm local time at a depth of 18.5 km.

Issuing an advisory in the aftermath of the quake on Saturday, the Embassy of India in Rabat urged its nationals to reach out to them for any assistance.

“…till now, there is no report of any Indian national getting affected due to the earthquake. Embassy is in touch with the community members. They are requested to contact the Embassy of India on +212 661 297 491 for any assistance/guidance,” the advisory, posted on X, read.

The advisory also urged all Indian nationals in Morocco to “stay calm and adhere to the advisories/guidelines issued by the local authorities from time to time”.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including Rabat and Casablanca. Many houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Condoling the loss of lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered assistance to the North African nation as he opened the G20 Summit on Saturday.

“Extremely pained by the loss of lives due to an earthquake in Morocco. In this tragic hour, my thoughts are with the people of Morocco. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones,” he said, beginning the G20 address.

“May the injured recover at the earliest. India is ready to offer all possible assistance to Morocco in this difficult time.”

According to the External Affairs Ministry, there are about 200-250 Indian nationals located in the city of Casablanca and a few families live in Marrakesh and Tangier.

Most of them are engaged in business or trade activities, or work in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

There are no direct flights between India and Morocco but connections to Casablanca are available via Europe, the UAE and Qatar.

Eiffel Tower Goes Dark in Honor of Morocco’s Earthquake Victims

The lights of Eiffel Tower in Paris were turned off on Saturday in tribute to victims of Morocco’s earthquake, the media reported.

“The Eiffel Tower has just been extinguished in tribute to the victims of the earthquake in Morocco!,” TFT Morocco posted on X in the wee hours on Sunday.

 The death toll from a strong earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday night has surpassed 2,000, according to country’s interior ministry.

“There is destruction everywhere,” Eyewitnesses near the High Atlas mountains were quoted as saying by CNN.

According to USGS, the temblor was the most deadliest to hit the North African country in decades.

The quake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including Rabat and Casablanca. Many houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

ALSO READ-Over 2,000 Lives Lost: Morocco Mourns After Deadly Earthquake

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Over 2,000 Lives Lost: Morocco Mourns After Deadly Earthquake

The quake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km…reports Asian Lite News

The death toll from a strong earthquake that struck Morocco on Friday night has surpassed 2,000, according to country’s interior ministry.

“There is destruction everywhere,” Eyewitnesses near the High Atlas mountains were quoted as saying by CNN

According to USGS, the temblor was the most deadliest to hit the North African country in decades.

The quake measuring 6.8 on the Richter Scale hit Morocco’s High Atlas mountain range on Friday at 11:11 p.m. local time at a depth of 18.5 km.

The earthquake was felt in many cities across Morocco, including Rabat and Casablanca. Many houses collapsed in the cities of Taroudant and Marrakesh, local media reported.

Xinhua correspondents at Ouarzazate, about 190 km southeast of Marrakesh, saw residents taking shelter in an open space after the earthquake.

“There have been earthquakes before, but none of them were as strong as this one,” said a resident in Ouarzazate who requires anonymity.

The earthquake damaged many buildings in the old city of Marrakesh, the nearest big city to the epicenter, and many residents had to spend the night in the open space for fear of potential aftershocks, said Zhang Kai, an overseas Chinese living in Marrakesh.

Germany President released a statement on Saturday, sending “heartfelt condolences for lives lost.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the G20 summit in New Delhi on Saturday with “heartfelt condolences” to everyone affected by the quake.

Global leaders, including US President Joe Biden, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, France’s Emanuel Macron, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, extended their condolences to Morocco. 

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