House expresses solidarity, support for quake-stricken Morocco

A person carries an item of furniture, in the aftermath of a deadly earthquake, in a hamlet on the outskirts of Talaat N’Yaaqoub, Morocco, September 11, 2023. (REUTERS)

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has adopted House Resolution (HR) No. 1277 which expresses sympathy and support to Morocco, which was hit by a magnitude 6.8 earthquake over the weekend.

During the session on Monday, HR No. 1277 authored by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and other key lawmakers was adopted via viva voce or voice voting.

The death toll as of posting time is over 2,100.

“Aside from the loss of lives, the earthquake left the region in a terrible state of devastation, destroying historic sites, damaging towns and homes nearest to the Atlas Mountains, blocking roads with debris, rendering remote villages inaccessible and isolated, and forcing residents to spend nights on the streets,” the resolution stated.

“The international community recognizes that such a grave crisis demands a wide-reaching response and has shown compassion and offered assistance to the people and government of Morocco in the form of search and rescue teams, relief supplies, humanitarian aid, and medical flights,” the resolution added.

Morocco was shaken by the earthquake last Saturday — said to be the strongest in over 120 years — sent people in disbelief as the region was not prone to tremors of such strength.

The movement has also caused the collapse and damage of many establishments, including historic buildings like the city’s famous Koutoubia Mosque and their famous red walls surrounding the old city.

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