‘Utah stands ready to help’: Gov. Cox says National Guard will assist Morocco following deadly earthquake

A magnitude 6.8 earthquake hit Morocco late Friday night around 50 miles from the city of Marrakesh. The earthquake was the biggest — and deadliest — to hit the country in 120 years, The Associated Press reported.

As of Saturday afternoon, the death toll was 1,305 with the number expected to rise, Morocco’s Interior Ministry said.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he was “devastated” in response to news of the earthquake on social media Friday night.

“Devastated to learn of the destruction in Morocco. Our relationships and history run deep and our prayers are with our many friends there,” Cox wrote. “We will be evaluating how we can utilize our National Guard ties to help them recover.”

On Saturday, the Utah Governor announced that members of the Utah National Guard will travel to Morocco to assist in recovery efforts.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kingdom of Morocco in the aftermath of yesterday’s devastating earthquake,” Cox wrote. “Later today, members of the Utah National Guard will leave to assist. Utah stands ready to help through our strong military ties with the Kingdom.”

The Utah National Guard has been in partnership with the Kingdom of Morocco for 20 years as a part of Utah National Guard’s State Partnership Program.

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According to the National Guard, the program “connects a U.S. state or territory’s National Guard to partner country’s military, security forces and governmental organizations.” The National Guard provides disaster response and emergency management as a part of its programs with partner countries.