Ongoing efforts in the search for a Blackburn girl missing in Morocco have been hindered by a storm, the town's MP has said.
Inaayah Makda, 7, was swept out to sea while sitting on some rocks with her family by the coast near Casablanca on January 28.
Search efforts have been ongoing, despite what the family called a lack of support from police and local authorities in Morocco.
MP for Blackburn Adnan Hussain issued an update last night (January 30), saying that he had received "strong assurances" from the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco that he will ensure "every action is taken by local authorities" to assist in the search.
Mr Hussain also said since writing the statement, which was published just before 8.30pm, the search efforts had been hindered by a storm in the area.
He said: "On behalf of the family, I asked the Ambassador to push for the assignment of a dedicated police liaison officer to provide direct and immediate support for the family on the ground.
"The Governor of Casablanca has confirmed that the Moroccan Civil Protection Team is on scene and will provide constant updates to the Foreign Office.
"Further to this, the Foreign Office has confirmed to me that they have reiterated my request for a dedicated police liaison officer with the Moroccan Ministry of Affairs, and that steps are being taken to ensure constant and unimpeded communication takes place between the family and the authorities.
"The Governor of Casablanca has also confirmed that the Civil Protection Team is continuing search operations.
"I understand the Defence Attache has also agreed to raise the case with the Defence Ministry. I want to thank the Moroccan Ambassador, Moroccan authorities, and the Foreign Office for their cooperation.
"I remain in constant contact with the family and will continue to provide whatvever further assistance I can. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the people of Blackburn for coming together and offering support and solidarity to Inaayah's family during this devastating time."
An appeal to support the efforts in Inaayah's search has raised more than £50,000.
The appeal reads: “We are urgently asking for your kind support and donations to help cover the costs of the ongoing search efforts, including private boat hire, aerial support, as well as essential family expenses.
“These include translator support, emergency travel, and other unforeseen costs arising from the search and coordination with local authorities.
“At present, many of these costs are being met privately by the family, and we are coming together to do everything possible to support them during this critical time.
“Every single penny truly counts and will go directly towards supporting the search for Inaya and the family’s immediate needs.
“Please continue to keep Inaya and her family in your prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Family members were swept into the water alongside Inaayah.
Parents Zubair and Tasneem Makda were among those knocked into the sea but lost sight of their daughter.
Inaayah is a pupil at Roe Lee Park Primary School and attends the Masjid-e-Saliheen madressa.
The family are from the Audley area of Blackburn, and their community was rallying around to support them this week.
On Friday, Audley & Queens Park councillor Salim Sidat said: “This is a devastating situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with Inaayah and her family.”
He added: “Let’s come together as a community with love and generosity. Please donate if you’re able and share this fundraiser – every act of kindness counts.”
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