Moroccan Earthquake Kills Thousands, Search for Survivors Is Race Against Time
The deadliest earthquake to hit Morocco struck the area Friday night, killing over 2,000 people and leaving thousands more trapped in the wreckage.
The 6.8 magnitude earthquake was the most deadly to affect Morocco in over 60 years, via the New York Post.
It hit the High Atlas mountains, about 45 miles southwest of Marrakech, destroying villages and reducing them to rubble.
On Sunday night, the confirmed death toll hit 2,122; the injured reached 2,421, according to reports.
Survivors have been digging out loved ones with their bare hands and criticized their leadership for what they consider the government’s slow response, the Post reported.
Moroccan officials have deployed the army and are working to coordinate rescue teams.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates sent aid to begin the recovery. In addition, Britain and Spain have sent sniffer dogs and search-and-rescue specialists. France is also standing by to help, according to reports.
King Mohammed VI thanked these nations as the country works to find survivors.
Middle Eastern Peace advocate Hananya Naftali posted to X, formerly Twitter, noting that Israeli volunteers joined in the rescue efforts.
Israeli volunteers met with Moroccan earthquake survivors in Tizi Ouaddou. 🇮🇱🇹🇷
Israeli United Hatzalah sent a humanitarian team to Morocco to assist the local authorities. More than 2000 people were killed. Keep Morocco in your prayers. #MoroccoEarthquake
Via @UnitedHatzalah pic.twitter.com/FHWSPrE20n
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) September 11, 2023
He wrote, “More than 2000 people were killed. Keep Morocco in your prayers.”
A resident of the village of Tafeghaghte, Hamid ben Henna, lost his 8-year-old son to the disaster. He and his family had been having dinner when the earthquake began.
Most of the homes in Morocco are built with mud bricks, wood, or cement and breeze blocks. These are not structurally sound enough to withstand large earthquakes and were easily toppled, reports state.
This has led leaders across the globe to offer their condolences.
Yoweri K Museveni, president of Uganda, stated on X, “On behalf of the People of Uganda and my behalf, I convey our deepest condolences to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and all Moroccans for the lives lost in the earthquake.”
I learnt with sadness the tragic and devastating earthquake that hit our brotherly kingdom of Morocco on the night of 8th September 2023, killing over 2,000 people and leaving more injured.
On behalf of the People of Uganda and my behalf, I convey our deepest condolences to…
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) September 11, 2023
“Uganda commiserates with you during this tragic time, and we pray for healing for those wounded and devastated,” he went on.
“May the Almighty God rest the souls of the deceased in eternal peace!” he added.
Mahammadou Kah, the Gambia representative to the United Nations, asked for the council to stand and observe a moment of silence.
At #HRC54 the @UN_HRC stood united to observe a minute of silence in solidarity with Morocco🇲🇦after the devastating earthquake, reaffirming the Council's commitment to solidarity worldwide. 🌍🤝 #moroccoearthquake pic.twitter.com/xeiHgxVQMk
— United Nations Geneva (@UNGeneva) September 11, 2023
He stated, “Let us honor those who perished in Morocco and affirm our unwavering support for one another during trying times.”
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