Rabat – A Moroccan national was among the victims killed by the disastrous earthquake that hit Turkiye on Monday, the Moroccan Embassy in Ankara confirmed.
The victim, aged 51, died in Antakya, capital of the Hatay province. The Moroccan woman was born in 1972 in Casablanca, and was married to a Turkish citizen.
The embassy added that the victim’s 16 year-old son was transferred to a hospital to receive the necessary medical attention and that he is “doing well.”
A 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southern Turkiye and northern Syria on Monday, leaving behind massive structural damage and a large number of casualties.
So far, over 7,000 people across both countries have been confirmed dead, with nearly 400,000 taking refuge in hotels, shopping malls and other areas.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 13 million of Turkiye’s 85 million population have been affected by the quake in some way.
Meanwhile, rescue workers in Syria pleaded with the international community for aid as their efforts continued to be hampered by limited resources.
The US, France, the UK, and the UN have all expressed readiness to assist the victims, with the UK sending more than 70 search and rescue teams, as well as specialized equipment.
Morocco’s embassies in Ankara and Damascus set up crisis units immediately following the news to help members of Moroccan diasporas and provide information.
On Monday, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI sent his condolences to the Turkish president and the families of the victims.
