In the wake of Morocco’s most catastrophic earthquake in over six decades, survivors grapple with dire shortages of food and water, while the hunt for missing individuals continues in remote villages. The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck late Friday, forcing many to endure a second night exposed to the elements.
Rescue teams face a formidable challenge as they attempt to reach the most affected villages nestled in the rugged High Atlas mountains. These remote settlements witnessed the crumbling of many houses, exacerbating the crisis.
As of late Sunday, official figures from the interior ministry reported a death toll of 2,122 and 2,421 individuals injured, with many in critical condition. Tragically, Morocco’s rich cultural heritage suffered a blow with the collapse of a historically significant 12th-century mosque. Additionally, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Marrakech’s old city sustained damage.
Residents of Moulay Brahim, a village near the epicenter, recount the harrowing experience of extracting the deceased from the rubble with their bare hands. Yassin Noumghar, a 36-year-old resident, expressed frustration at the scarcity of government aid, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
While the situation remains dire, some relief efforts have begun. Sacks of food were delivered to Moulay Brahim by a government-organized truck, in collaboration with civil society organizations. However, even the local medical clinic in Moulay Brahim is facing a shortage of first aid supplies as they have received a continuous influx of injured individuals.
The vulnerability of many homes, constructed from mud bricks and timber, became evident as they crumbled easily in the earthquake. Makeshift tents now dot a dirt soccer pitch, offering limited shelter to residents wrapped in blankets.
In Amizmiz, 27km west of Moulay Brahim, residents are struggling to find food, despite some government-provided tents. The Moroccan government has declared urgent measures to address the disaster, including reinforcing search and rescue teams, providing essential supplies, and distributing food, tents, and blankets.
France, Turkey, Spain, and Qatar have offered assistance, with Spain dispatching search and rescue teams following Morocco’s formal request. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stressed the critical nature of the next few days for locating individuals trapped under the rubble.
As Morocco mourns with three days of official mourning declared, King Mohammed VI has called for nationwide prayers for the deceased. Amidst this tragedy, Morocco’s beloved city of Marrakech, known for its historic mosques and palaces, prepares to host the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, scheduled for October 9.
While the world watches this humanitarian crisis unfold, the IMF’s sole focus remains on aiding the Moroccan people and supporting the authorities in managing this devastating tragedy.
Source AFP
