By Survivors of Morocco’s deadliest earthquake in over 60 years are facing tremendous challenges as they try to find basic necessities like food, water, and shelter. The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck late on a Friday, and many people have been forced to spend their third night out in the open. The epicentre of the earthquake was in the remote and rugged High Atlas mountains, making it difficult for relief workers to reach the hardest-hit villages, where many houses have been reduced to rubble.
The current death toll stands at 2,122, with 2,421 people injured. Morocco is considering offers of assistance from other countries and will coordinate their efforts as necessary.
This earthquake has also caused significant damage to Morocco’s cultural heritage, including the collapse of a historically important 12th-century mosque. Parts of Marrakech’s old city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, have also been damaged.
One reason for the widespread destruction is that many homes in the affected region are built from materials like mud bricks, timber, cement, and breeze blocks, which are more vulnerable to damage during earthquakes. This is the deadliest earthquake in Morocco since 1960 when an estimated 12,000 lives were lost.
In one village, a grieving family buried a mother and her son, who had died in the earthquake. Many residents believe that there are still people trapped in the rubble, as the rescue efforts have not reached everyone in need. People like Hussein Adnaie are doing their best to care for their families and retrieve what they can from their damaged homes.
Yassin Noumghar, another survivor, expressed frustration over shortages of water, food, and power, and he felt that government aid had been inadequate so far.
The earthquake’s epicentre was located 72 kilometres (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city known for its historical and architectural treasures. The Moroccan government has established a fund to help those affected by the disaster and is providing essential relief items such as water, food, tents, and blankets.
The international community has also extended a helping hand, with countries like Spain, the UK, the US, and France sending rescue teams. According to the World Health Organization, more than 300,000 people have been impacted by this devastating earthquake.
In response, Morocco has declared three days of mourning, and King Mohammed VI has called for prayers for the victims at mosques across the country. The nation is coming together to support those in need during this challenging time.
