Support Pours Into Morocco As Disastrous Quake Leaves 2,100 Dead

On Sunday (local time), survivors of the deadliest earthquake to hit Morocco in more than 60 years struggled to find food, water, and shelter while the hunt for the missing went on in isolated settlements. More than 2,100 people had died, and more were probably on the way.

Many people spent a third night outside after the 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck late on Friday.

Reaching the worst-affected villages in the High Atlas, a rough mountain terrain where populations are sometimes inaccessible and many homes collapse, is difficult for relief personnel.

Nightmare For Morocco People: The Earthquake Tolls Cross 2,100, Survivors Struggle For Food, Water, Shelter

Credit: Reuters

State TV reports that 2,122 people have died and 2,421 have been injured. Morocco has said it may accept offers of assistance from other nations and will organize them as necessary.

The cultural heritage of Morocco has also suffered substantial harm due to the earthquake. Local media reports corroborate the collapse of a mosque from the 12th century that was significant historically.

The old city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has also sustained damage in some areas.

Credit: Reuters

The earthquake's impact is made worse because many dwellings in the affected area are made of materials that are more vulnerable to damage during seismic occurrences, such as mud bricks, timber, cement, and breeze blocks.

Since an estimated 12,000 people died in an earthquake in Morocco in 1960, this one is the deadliest on record.

Authorities in Morocco and foreign teams are actively searching for survivors as part of ongoing rescue operations. As part of the recovery efforts, nations like Spain, the United Kingdom, Qatar, and the United States have sent out search and rescue personnel and resources.

According to Reuters, during a news conference in Hanoi, Vietnam, Biden stated, "We stand ready to provide any necessary assistance to the Moroccan people."

Credit: Reuters

What Was The Epicenter Of Morocco Earthquake?

The earthquake's epicenter was situated 72 kilometers (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city famed for its historical and architectural treasures.

The Moroccan government has established a fund for catastrophe victims and distributed supplies, including food, drink, tents, and blankets.

The worldwide community has also contributed support, sending rescue teams from nations including Spain, the UK, the US, and France. The World Health Organisation says the disaster has impacted over 300,000 individuals.

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has ordered nationwide prayers for the victims at mosques, and the government has announced three days of national mourning.

US Scholars Set Up Fund To Help Earthquake Victims

Here is a GoFundMe two colleagues and I set up to help village associations directly to support families: https://t.co/BB0KNbBQik

¡ª Brahim El GuabIi (@SahraOuld) September 9, 2023

A GoFundMe effort has been started by a group of Moroccan academics based in the US to aid Moroccan earthquake-affected towns.

According to the experts, they collaborate with neighbourhood NGOs and community leaders to ensure that funds have the greatest, most immediate impact on assisting families.

The Spanish Government Sends 86 Rescuers And Eight Search Dogs To Morocco

In response to a formal request for assistance from Rabat, Spain has dispatched 86 rescuers and eight search dogs to Morocco in the wake of the devastating earthquake that claimed more than 2,100 lives.

A military plane carrying 56 rescuers and four search dogs took off on Sunday morning from a base in the northern Spanish city of Zaragoza, according to a statement from the defense ministry. The plane was headed for Marrakech.

The rescue team is part of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit (UME), an armed forces branch established to respond swiftly to emergencies like earthquakes, floods, and forest fires.

An interior ministry spokeswoman reported that a second military aircraft carrying 30 rescuers and four search dogs took off from a base in Torrejon de Ardoz, close to Madrid, on Sunday night.

A French Aid Offer Is Being Considered By Moroccan Authorities: Ambassador

Credit: EPA

According to Christophe Lecourtier, the French ambassador to Morocco, the Moroccan government was "taking into consideration" French offers to send search and rescue teams and emergency medical assistance.

He stated on Sunday night that "we have every reason to believe that in a few hours or tomorrow this aid will be requested."

In Morocco, Qatar Sends Four Planes To Assist With Search And Rescue

Qatar is getting ready to help Morocco after its recent earthquake.

"Qatari [authorities] are currently preparing four planes to be flown into Morocco as part of the search and rescue operation," Al Jazeera's Stefanie Dekker reported.

She stated, "Qatar is one of many countries who have pledged help to Morocco in the aftermath of this devastating earthquake," adding that the aid consisted of food, tents, trucks and hardware, medical supplies, and search and rescue tools.

Morocco Receives $1m From The Red Cross Disaster Fund

To assist the work being done by the Moroccan Red Crescent on the ground, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued more than $1 million from its immediate catastrophe fund.

The worldwide humanitarian network cautioned that "the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in terms of saving lives," adding that assistance may be required for months or perhaps years.

Morocco Quake: Spain Sends 56 Rescuers

Credit: Yahoo News

Following an official request for assistance from Rabat, Spain has dispatched a plane carrying 56 rescuers and four search dogs to earthquake-stricken Morocco, according to the military ministry.

According to a post by the ministry on X, formerly known as Twitter, an A400 military aircraft took out from a base in the northeastern city of Zaragoza with a team headed towards Marrakesh to "assist in the search and rescue of survivors of the devastating earthquake suffered in our neighbouring country."

The rescuers are members of Spain's Military Emergencies Unit, a branch of the military forces established to act fast in disasters like earthquakes, floods, and forest fires.

As A Result Of The Earthquake In Morocco, Israel Announces A Relief Mission

On Saturday, the head of Israel's Magen David Adom national medical and disaster response organization phoned the head of the Moroccan Red Crescent with an offer of assistance.

A statement indicated that representatives from Magen David Adom were preparing to leave within the next few hours. "They will work together with delegations from the Israel Defence Forces and the Ministry of Health."

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