According to the Moroccan Press Agency, Biden expressed "to the Moroccan king his personal condolences and the condolences of the American people and government, following the painful earthquake that struck a number of regions of Morocco."

President Biden praised "the speed and efficiency of managing the repercussions of this major natural disaster, in implementation of the High Royal Instructions."

The US president also expressed his country's readiness "to provide assistance and support to Morocco based on specific needs by the Moroccan authorities, as included in the framework of the multifaceted action plan adopted by the Kingdom to confront this tragedy."

Statement hours after the earthquake

Hours after the Morocco earthquake, US President Joe Biden issued a statement expressing deep sadness at the lives lost and the losses that occurred after the disaster.

Biden said in a statement posted by the White House on its official website that "our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by this terrible ordeal."

He stressed that his administration is in contact with Moroccan officials.

Morocco earthquake in numbers

• The death toll from the earthquake reached 2946,<>.
• The number of wounded reached 6125,<>.
• Authorities say about 50,<> homes have partially or completely collapsed following the devastating quake.