Earthquake in Morocco

The death toll from the earthquake has now risen to almost 3,000. The earthquake levelled several villages in the Atlas Mountains. The Moroccan authorities have thanked Switzerland for offering assistance, but have yet to take up the offer.

Meanwhile, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched an appeal to scale up relief efforts for the earthquake survivors. The FDFA has decided to respond with a contribution of CHF 1 million. This sum will be used to support the activities of the Moroccan Red Crescent in the disaster-hit areas. Switzerland continues to monitor developments closely.

Switzerland's offer of assistance following the earthquake in Morocco is still valid. It includes support in various areas such as emergency shelter, access to clean water and sanitation, as well as medicine and construction technology.  A team of eight specialists from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) has been mobilised and is ready to travel to the country. The Moroccan authorities have not yet responded to the offer of assistance. 

The FDFA is not aware of any information on Swiss victims. Currently, 1806 Swiss citizens living in the country are officially registered in Morocco. Almost 200 people with a connection to Switzerland are registered in the TravelAdmin app. The FDFA helpline and the local representation have so far received around 230 calls about the earthquake in Morocco. These requests are from people currently staying in the country, concerned relatives or people who have planned a trip to Morocco in the near future.

The FDFA reminds everyone that Swiss nationals and tourists on site are obliged to follow the instructions of the local authorities. The decision as to whether a trip is to be carried out or abandoned is at the discretion and responsibility of the travellers themselves. As the international airports in Morocco operate normally, return trips should be organised individually or through a travel agency.

In an emergency, the FDFA Helpline in Berne can be contacted 24/7 on +41 (0) 800 24-7-365 or by email at helpline@eda.admin.ch.

Switzerland's offer of assistance in connection with the earthquake in Morocco still stands. A team of eight experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit SHA has been assembled and is ready for deployment. A response from the Moroccan authorities to the offer of assistance is still pending.

The FDFA still has no information on Swiss victims. There are currently 1806 Swiss citizens officially registered as living and established in Morocco (correction to the figure of 2545 communicated yesterday). In the meantime, almost 200 Swiss nationals who are currently in Morocco have registered on the TravelAdmin app. The FDFA helpline has so far received around 200 calls about the earthquake in Morocco.

Those affected can contact the FDFA helpline on +41 (0) 800 24-7-365.

The FDFA has made an offer of assistance to Morocco for emergency shelter, water treatment and distribution, sanitation facilities and hygiene materials. The supply of materials would be accompanied by experts from the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit SHA. The Moroccan authorities have yet to respond to the offer of assistance. A rescue operation has not yet been requested and is therefore not planned at the moment.

The FDFA still has no information on Swiss victims. The FDFA helpline has received around 100 requests so far. The FDFA's Humanitarian Aid Crisis Cell is still active and is continuously analysing the situation in connection with the earthquake in Morocco. The FDFA is in regular contact with the Swiss Embassy in Rabat and the competent authorities in Morocco.

Those affected can contact the FDFA helpline +41 (0) 800 24-7-365.

The FDFA's Humanitarian Aid Crisis Cell in Bern was activated this morning and is continuously analysing the situation in connection with the earthquake in Morocco. The FDFA is in regular contact with the Swiss Embassy in Rabat and the relevant authorities in Morocco. Embassy staff are well and operational. The FDFA decided this morning to make an offer of assistance to Morocco. The details of such an offer of assistance are currently being worked out and will be tailored to the possible needs on the ground. No international appeal for assistance has yet been received from Morocco.

The FDFA currently has no information on Swiss victims. There are currently 2545 Swiss citizens officially registered as living and established in Morocco. On the Travel Admin app, 102 Swiss nationals have registered who are temporarily staying in Morocco. The FDFA helpline has so far received around two dozen enquiries from Swiss nationals who are currently in Morocco. They have been asked to follow the local authorities’ instructions, to register on Travel Admin app and to contact tour operators or airlines.

Those affected can contact the FDFA helpline +41 (0) 800 24-7-365.