Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are expressing sympathy and offering support after Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in more than six decades.
The rare, 6.8 magnitude quake struck late Friday, Sept. 8, in the High Atlas Mountains. On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the death toll had risen to close to 3,000, with more than 5,500 people injured.
The United Nations estimated that 300,000 people were affected. Part of the reason why the damages were so catastrophic is because the mountainous villages and ancient cities in the North African country were not built to withstand such force.
As search teams from other countries joined Moroccan rescue efforts, the Church also stands ready to assist the Moroccan government, explained a statement from the Church’s Middle East/Africa North Area presidency. The statement said the Church is also actively working with relief organizations to provide assistance and support to the affected region.
The area president is Elder Anthony D. Perkins, General Authority Seventy, and his counselors, Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella, General Authority Seventy, and Elder Roland J. Bäck, Area Seventy.
Over the weekend, they expressed condolences for and solidarity with the people of Morocco. The following is their full statement, as posted on the Church’s Middle East Newsroom site.
“It’s with great sadness that we learned of the tragic consequences of the earthquake that hit the Kingdom of Morocco. On behalf of the members and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we extend our heartfelt condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the government and all the people of Morocco. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and individuals who are grieving during this challenging time.
“Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints around the world, including those in Africa and the Middle East, are joining in prayer for those involved in rescue efforts and for the swift recovery of those injured in the earthquake.
“We stand ready to assist the Moroccan government in any way possible. Currently, the Church is actively working with relief organizations to provide assistance and support to the affected region.”
Elder Anthony D. Perkins
Elder Adilson de Paula Parrella
Elder Roland J. Bäck
Middle East/Africa North Area Presidency
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
