Devastating Earthquake Strikes Morocco – Latest Updates
Published: September 10, 2023 at 1:10 a.m. EDT | Updated: September 10, 2023 at 12:13 p.m. EDT
Rescue Efforts and International Support
As buildings crumble and the death toll rises, rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors of the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck western Morocco on September 8. So far, at least 2,100 people have lost their lives, with another 2,400 injured. President Biden expressed his condolences, assuring that his administration is actively ensuring the safety of American citizens in Morocco and is ready to provide any necessary assistance to the Moroccan people. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also confirmed the United States’ readiness to assist, pending word from the Moroccan government.
About the Earthquake
According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), this is the strongest earthquake recorded in the area in over a century. Although earthquakes of this magnitude are uncommon, they are not unexpected. The last earthquake with a magnitude higher than 6 occurred in 1900. The epicenter was located approximately 47 miles southeast of Marrakesh, at a shallow depth of about 11 miles. Shallow earthquakes tend to cause more destruction.
Localized Impact and Challenges
The earthquake has had a significant impact on over 300,000 people in Marrakesh and its outskirts, according to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Rescue efforts are proving difficult due to the vastness of the affected area and the complex terrain. Some areas can only be accessed by helicopter, and transporting heavy machinery through mountainous terrain presents challenges. The earthquake’s epicenter is located in al-Haouz province, a mountainous and rural area where rescue workers are facing obstacles in reaching victims.
Firsthand Accounts of Devastation
Buildings continue to crumble even more than a day after the earthquake. In one ruined home in the town of Amizmiz, remnants of the former inhabitants, such as velveteen blankets, suitcases, and rugs, can be seen among the debris. Faiz Yassine, a resident of Moulay Brahim, recalls the terror of the quake as his family’s walls cracked. While they escaped physical harm, many in his neighborhood lost their lives, and the earthquake destroyed their apartment. The lack of assistance is also a growing concern for residents like Rachid Bouaddi, who describe the difficult physical labor involved in rescuing survivors and the overwhelming loss they are experiencing.
National and International Support
The international community has rallied to offer assistance to Morocco in this time of crisis. Countries including France, the United Kingdom, Germany, India, China, Austria, and Turkey, which recently experienced its own devastating earthquake, have all offered their support. Algeria, despite a strained relationship with Morocco, has also offered to reopen its airspace for aid and medical evacuations. The United States, through agencies like the United States Agency for International Development, is already mobilizing its resources to assist Morocco.
Morocco’s Path to Recovery
Morocco faces a long and challenging road to recovery. Hospitals, especially in Marrakesh and other major cities, are operating at limited capacity. Strained local hospitals in the worst-affected areas may struggle to meet the needs of those affected by the quake. Efforts are underway to provide humanitarian aid and medical assistance to those in need. The resilient Moroccan people are determined to support each other and rebuild their communities.
Source
Sima Diab for The Washington Post
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
