Morocco earthquake : In the aftermath of Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in over six decades, survivors are grappling with a desperate need for food, water, and shelter. The powerful 6.8 magnitude quake struck late on September 8, and its devastating toll has already claimed the lives of more than 2,100 people, with the possibility of further casualties as search and rescue operations continue, according to media reports.
For many, three agonizing nights have been spent exposed to the elements, as reaching the hardest-hit villages nestled in the remote and rugged High Atlas mountains has proven to be an immense challenge for relief workers. In these areas, numerous homes have been reduced to rubble, leaving residents in dire need.
According to state TV reports, the current death toll stands at 2,122, with an additional 2,421 people injured. Morocco has signaled its willingness to accept relief assistance from other nations and will coordinate these efforts as necessary.
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We ask God for safety for the people of Morocco, and we hope that the world will extend a helping hand to help them save lives that are still under the rubble pic.twitter.com/TSDdolY45u— 🇮🇹italiano🇮🇹 (@ahmaditaliano) September 9, 2023
This devastating earthquake has also inflicted significant damage on Morocco’s cultural heritage. Local media has confirmed the collapse of a historically significant 12th-century mosque. Furthermore, parts of Marrakech’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, have also suffered damage.
The earthquake’s impact is exacerbated by the construction materials prevalent in the affected region, including mud bricks, timber, cement, and breeze blocks, which are more vulnerable to seismic events. This marks Morocco’s deadliest earthquake since 1960 when an estimated 12,000 lives were tragically lost.
Rescue operations are ongoing, with Moroccan authorities and international teams collaborating to locate survivors. Countries such as Spain, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and the United States have deployed search-and-rescue teams and resources to aid in the recovery efforts. In Hanoi, Vietnam, President Biden expressed readiness to assist the Moroccan people, as reported by Reuters.
The earthquake’s epicenter was situated 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city celebrated for its historical and architectural treasures. The Moroccan government has established a fund to support those affected by the disaster, providing relief in the form of water, food, tents, and blankets.
The international community has rallied to offer assistance, with countries including Spain, the UK, the US, and France dispatching rescue teams. The World Health Organization reported that over 300,000 people have been affected by this devastating disaster.
Morocco has declared three days of mourning, and King Mohammed VI has called for prayers for the victims at mosques across the nation, as the country unites in grief and solidarity during this challenging time.
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