The 14th Dalai Lama, a Tibetan spiritual leader, has expressed his sorrow over the deadly earthquake that struck Morocco and caused a large number of fatalities and injuries. The Dalai Lama said in his statement, “I offer my condolences to Your Excellency, the families of those who have lost loved ones and pray for all those affected by this great tragedy.
Al Jazeera reported that the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck the Atlas Mountains’ slopes, 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Marrakesh, completely destroyed entire communities. At least 2,122 people died and more than 2,400 people were injured, many of them critically, in the largest earthquake to ever hit North Africa. As a result, the first foreign rescuers were forced to fly in to help. The Dalai Lama also expressed his gratitude for the assistance being sent to the earthquake region by the rest of the world.
“I am aware that your government is doing everything it can to provide support to help the rescue and relief efforts in the quake zones. It is also heartening that the international community is sending aid following the earthquake,” he added.
He has urged the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama to donate towards the rescue and relief efforts.
“As a token of my solidarity with the people of Morocco affected by this tragedy, I have asked the Gaden Phodrang Foundation of the Dalai Lama to make a donation towards the rescue and relief efforts,” Dalai Lama said in a statement.
He extended his prayers for the affected people in earthquake-hit region.
“His Holiness concluded his message with prayers,” the statement said.