House of Representatives expresses support for Morocco after deadly earthquake
The House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, has shown its solidarity and support for the people and government of Morocco following a devastating earthquake. The lawmakers adopted a resolution, House Resolution (HR) No. 1277, through a simple voice vote during a plenary session on Monday, September 11.
The resolution, authored by Romualdez, highlights the magnitude of the earthquake as reported by the United States Geological Survey. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake in Morocco last week was the deadliest since 1960 and the strongest in the region since 1900.
Aside from the loss of numerous lives, the earthquake caused extensive devastation in the region. Historic sites were destroyed, towns and homes in mountainous areas were damaged, roads were blocked with debris, and remote villages became inaccessible and isolated. The aftermath of the earthquake forced residents to spend nights on the streets.
The epicenter of the earthquake was recorded at 72 kilometers southwest of Marrakech in the High Atlas mountain range. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300,000 Moroccans were affected in Marrakech and the surrounding areas. The earthquake resulted in the tragic death of over 2,100 people and left 2,421 others injured.
The international community has recognized the magnitude of the crisis and has offered assistance to Morocco. Search and rescue teams, relief supplies, humanitarian aid, and medical flights have been dispatched to the affected areas.
In response to this grave crisis, the House of Representatives emphasized the need for collaboration, unity, and cooperation among nations. They called on the international community to support Morocco and help the affected population overcome this severe catastrophe.
The resolution concludes by expressing the House’s sympathy and concern for those impacted by the earthquake. They hope for a swift recovery for the people of Morocco as they rebuild their lives after this terrible tragedy. As a gesture of solidarity, the 311-member House will send a copy of HR No. 1277 to the embassy of Morocco in Manila.
Apart from Romualdez, other lawmakers who co-authored the resolution were Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, Minority Leader and 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
