Title: Massive Earthquake Devastates Morocco: Urgent International Aid Needed
Date: September 10, 2023
On Sunday, a devastating aftershock struck Morocco, further compounding the anguish of the nation following the strongest earthquake it experienced in over a century. As survivors continued to mourn the loss of their loved ones, soldiers and aid workers raced against time to reach remote mountain villages reduced to rubble by the catastrophic earthquake. The death toll currently stands at more than 2,100 people, a number expected to rise.
According to the United Nations, approximately 300,000 people have been affected by the magnitude 6.8 quake that struck on Friday night. Distressed voices on social networks in Morocco have expressed frustrations over what they perceive as inadequate government support. While international aid crews were prepared to deploy, their arrival was impeded by the government’s delayed request for assistance.
Arnaud Fraisse, the founder of Rescuers Without Borders, voiced the urgency of the situation, stating, “There are people dying under the rubble, and we cannot do anything to save them.” His team, along with many others, remained stranded in Paris, awaiting the government’s authorization to help.
Amid the devastation, the town of Amizmiz faced delayed assistance, with a substantial portion of its orange and red sandstone brick homes carved into the mountainside seemingly vanished. The collapse of a mosque’s minaret deepened the sense of catastrophe for the village’s inhabitants, many of whom expressed their uncertainty about the future and their frustration over insufficient aid.
Homelessness and fear of further aftershocks forced many to sleep outside in cities like Marrakech, while makeshift canopies provided some solace in heavily impacted Atlas Mountain towns such as Moulay Brahim. Rescue and relief efforts face the challenge of reaching isolated rural communities, as the mountainous terrain is obstructed by countless fallen rocks.
Adding to the trauma, a magnitude 3.9 aftershock rattled the affected areas on Sunday, exacerbating concerns in already unstable structures and heightening the distress of residents who fear further aftershocks. The Interior Ministry reported a total of 2,122 confirmed deaths, with at least 2,421 injuries, including 1,404 in critical condition. The majority of deaths occurred in the Al Haouz district in the High Atlas Mountains.
In response to the national tragedy, King Mohammed VI ordered three days of mourning and directed the army to mobilize search and rescue teams. His majesty also emphasized the provision of essential supplies, including water, food rations, and shelters, to those who lost their homes. Additionally, mosques were called upon to hold prayers for the victims, many of whom were buried alongside the intense rescue operations.
Despite the outpouring of offers from around the world, Morocco has not officially appealed for international assistance, contrasting with Turkey’s response to a previous earthquake. However, the United Nations reported having a team in Morocco coordinating international support, while Rescue Without Borders estimates that approximately 100 teams comprising 3,500 rescuers stand prepared to deploy when requested. Germany, for instance, had over 50 rescuers ready near Cologne-Bonn Airport but were sent back home, seemingly due to the delayed request from Moroccan authorities.
In a potential shift, authorities in Morocco have requested assistance from Spain, and a Spanish search and rescue team has been dispatched to the affected areas. Additionally, a rescue team from Nice, France, is en route to join the coordinated relief efforts. France itself, which has deep ties with Morocco and suffered the loss of four citizens in the earthquake, has pledged over 2 million euros in aid from various towns and cities, with popular artists actively collecting donations.
Survivors found little time for mourning as they attempted to salvage their belongings from damaged homes. The emotional toll weighed heavily, particularly on individuals like Khadija Fairouje, who lost her daughter and three grandsons in the collapse of their home.
As Morocco grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic natural disaster, the urgent need for international aid becomes increasingly apparent. Efforts must be expedited to provide vital support to the affected communities to save lives and assist in rebuilding efforts.