MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Ambassador to Morocco Leslie Baja on Monday said the number of fatalities following the destructive 6.8 earthquake that struck the High Atlas mountain range southwest of Marrakech has climbed to 2,681.
Baja, citing data from the Moroccan Interior Ministry, added that as of September 11, a total of 2,501 individuals were also injured.
The quake, dubbed one of the nation’s strongest earthquakes in more than a century, struck on September 8.
“Up to now, the Embassy has received no reports of any Filipino being affected by the earthquake. It remains in touch with Filipino leaders and coordinators in various areas of Morocco,” Baja said in a text message to INQUIRER.net.
According to Baja, at least 4,600 Filipinos are residing in Morocco. Meanwhile, an estimated number of 50 Filipinos reside in Marrakech.
Earlier, the Philippine government, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, expressed solidarity with Morocco in light of the devastating event.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims of this tragedy,” said Manalo in a tweet.
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