The Government is not yet aware of any Irish people who have been killed or injured in the devastating earthquake in Morocco, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said.
Mr Varadkar expressed sympathy and solidarity with the people of Morocco, adding that the recently established Irish embassy in Rabat is monitoring the situation.
"We're not aware of any Irish people at this stage that have been killed or injured, but of course we continue to monitor the situation and we will offer assistance to the Moroccan authorities if they need it in any way," he said.
President Michael D. Higgins earlier expressed his "deepest sympathy" to the king and people of Morocco following this morning's devastating earthquake.
More than 1,300 people have died and 1,800 people have been injured following the earthquake which had a magnitude estimated to range between 6.8 and 7.2.
A local official said most deaths were in the High Atlas mountain areas that are hard to reach.
In a letter to King Mohammed VI, President Higgins said: "As President of Ireland, may I offer you and the people of Morocco my deepest sympathy, as you respond to the earthquake in your country and the tragic loss of so many lives. I offer these condolences on behalf of the people of Ireland on my own behalf."
He added that the people of Ireland "think also of all those who are lost and injured, as well as all who are now engaged in the difficult and courageous rescue efforts".
"Our thoughts remain with you and all affected by these sudden and devastating events," he added.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says it is closely monitoring the situation in Morocco.
In a statement this morning, the Department of Foreign Affairs urged Irish citizens in the affected areas to follow the safety instructions of local authorities and to monitor local media.
They said anyone there can contact the embassy in Rabat for assistance while concerned family members in Ireland can contact the department.
We continue to closely monitor the situation in Morocco after the tragic earthquake. All Irish citizens in the affected areas are asked to follow safety instructions from local authorities and monitor local media.
— Irish Embassy Morocco (@irlembrabat) September 9, 2023
If you are an Irish citizen affected by the earthquake near Marrakech last night you can contact the Embassy at +212666933599 or by email at Rabatembassyexternalmail@dfa.ie. Alternatively you can call the Department of Foreign Affairs on +35314082000
— Irish Embassy Morocco (@irlembrabat) September 9, 2023
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has said he is "shocked to learn of the devastating earthquake".
In a social media post, Mr Martin said: "Our thoughts are with those who lost loved ones, the injured, and with brave first responders".
Members of the European Council have written to King Mohammed of Morocco offering assistance in the wake of the earthquake.
They also offered "most sincere condolences for the terrible loss of life following the dreadful earthquake".
"As close friends and partners of Morocco we are ready to assist in any way you deem useful," the letter read.
This evening the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland launched an emergency appeal to raise funds in aid of the people affected by the earthquake.
