Irish Government to give €2m in emergency aid following Morocco earthquake

It will support the work of International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC), the Moroccan Red Crescent Society and local communities most affected by providing emergency shelter, clean drinking water and food. 

It will also help provide mobile health care including psychological support as well as hygiene centres. 

"Approximately 300,000 people have already been directly affected by the earthquake, with over 2,100 deaths and 2,400 injuries," the statement read. 

"There are concerns that these numbers will continue to grow in the coming days. Evacuations are underway and it is expected that thousands will be temporarily displaced in the region." 

Mr Martin said he was "shocked and saddened to learn of this devastating earthquake".

"My thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones, the injured and emergency responders. 

"The destruction, particularly in remote areas, will place extraordinary pressure on vulnerable groups and pose significant challenges to rescuers. 

"Ireland stands in solidarity with the people of Morocco and will provide immediate emergency humanitarian assistance. Funding from Ireland will support a locally led response and provide assistance to those most impacted by this disaster," Minister Martin added. 

Aid workers in a 'race against time' 

Meanwhile, the situation remains "very difficult" for aid workers in Morocco who are in a "race against time" to rescue people from the wreckage of an earthquake which has killed more than 2,000 people, according to the Red Cross.

Speaking from Rabat in Morocco, the Chief of Staff at the Red Cross, Christopher Rassi said that at least 1,800 people have been injured.

Mr Rassi said that the "devastation was huge" and the situation remains extremely challenging for aid workers working in a mountainous region.

He said authorities in Morocco are providing a wide range of assistance to those impacted by the earthquake — including first aid, psychosocial support, transport to hospitals, evacuation and dignified burials for those who have passed away.

"In the medium and longer term, we're also focusing and mapping the other needs that are necessary and providing safe water, sanitation, and warmth for those that are in the mountains," Mr Rassi told Newstalk Breakfast on Monday. 

"We need to make sure that we stop other breaks from forming — the last thing anyone needs right now is a disaster within a disaster.

"As this continues and as the race against time continues for search and rescue, we have to look at this as a marathon, not a sprint."

Mr Rassi said tremendous efforts are being made to rescue people who are trapped under rubble.

"Hopefully, many more will be found and many more will be rescued and cared for, but there could be more confirmed fatalities as well.

"We've seen — in working after very difficult earthquakes all over the world — that that is a reality.

"The assistance that's needed will continue now for the next days, weeks and months.”

Many people were spending a third night in the open after the 6.8-magnitude quake hit late on Friday. Relief workers face the challenge of reaching the worst-affected villages in the High Atlas, a rugged mountain range where settlements are often remote and where many houses crumbled.

The death toll climbed to 2,122 with 2,421 people injured, state TV reported. Morocco said it may accept relief offers from other countries and will work to coordinate them if needed, according to state TV.

The damage done to Morocco's cultural heritage became more evident as local media reported the collapse of a historically important 12th century mosque. The quake also damaged parts of Marrakech old city, a Unesco World Heritage site.