France's Macron 'devastated' by Morocco quake, promises aid

French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday he was "devastated" by the earthquake in Morocco, which has killed at least 1,300 people, and offered to help relief efforts.

A general view of damage in the historic city of Marrakech, following a powerful earthquake in Morocco, September 9, 2023. REUTERS - ABDELHAK BALHAKI

"We are all devastated after the terrible earthquake in Morocco," Macron said on X, formerly known as Twitter, while onboard a flight to the G20 summit in India. "France stands ready to help with first aid.

Nous sommes tous bouleversés après le terrible séisme au Maroc. La France se tient prête à aider aux premiers secours.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) September 9, 2023

Macron was among many other heads of state and government expressing sympathy and proposing aid.

Others included Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, of Morocco's cross-strait neighbour Spain, who expressed his "solidarity and support to the people of Morocco in the wake of this terrible earthquake... Spain is with the victims of this tragedy".

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said "our thoughts are with the victims of this devastating earthquake. Our sympathy goes out to all those affected".

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she "learned with grief of the tragic toll" from the quake and pointed to "Italy's willingness to support Morocco in this emergency".

• Moroccan quake death toll rises to 820, with at least 672 injured

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed sympathy "with the Moroccan people in the face of the terrible earthquake", while top EU diplomat Joseph Borrell said the bloc is ready to provide Morocco "the assistance it wishes".

Swiss President Alain Berset expressed his condolences. The country's foreign ministry said it activated a crisis cell and is evaluating sending aid.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said his country stands by Morocco "in these difficult moments."

Russia, Ukraine

The leaders of both Russia and Ukraine also offered their sympathies.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his "deepest condolences to HM King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the horrible earthquake."

"Ukraine stands in solidarity with Morocco during this tragic time," he said on social media.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed similar sentiments and said, in a message to Morocco's king, "we share the pain and the mourning of the friendly Moroccan people."

(With newswires)