“Earthquakes Shake Morocco: Death Toll Expected to Soar as Rescuers Race Against Time”

Devastation in Morocco: Earthquake Survivors Struggle in Makeshift Shelters

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Many survivors of Morocco‘s most powerful earthquake in over a century are currently facing dire circumstances in makeshift shelters. The earthquake, measuring 6.8 on the magnitude scale, struck the High Atlas Mountains late on Friday, leaving a death toll of 2,862 and 2,562 injured individuals. This number is expected to rise as rescuers are yet to reach remote mountain villages that have suffered some of the worst devastation.

The situation in the worst-hit area is further compounded by rugged and isolated terrain. Roads leading to these villages have been blocked by rocks and earth dislodged by the quake, preventing aid from reaching the affected communities. As a result, many survivors have taken refuge in tent camps along the Tizi n’Test road, while others have camped out in the open, waiting for assistance.

The Challenges Faced by Remote Villages

The traditional mud brick houses that are common in these mountain villages have crumbled to earthen rubble without leaving air pockets. This has significantly diminished the chances of finding survivors under the rubble. Moreover, many villagers have been without power or telephone networks since the earthquake struck, relying solely on their own resources to rescue loved ones and retrieve bodies buried under the debris of their homes.

The lack of aid in remote villages is a cause for concern, with survivors voicing frustration over the authorities’ focus on larger communities. Hamid Ait Bouyali, a survivor waiting by the roadside, laments, “There are some villages that still have the dead buried under the rubble.”

International Aid and Relief Efforts

Rescuers from Spain, Britain, and Qatar have joined Morocco‘s search teams to provide assistance. However, offers of aid from Italy, Belgium, France, and Germany have yet to be approved. The affected region includes the historically significant city of Marrakech, where some old buildings and the 12th-century Tinmel Mosque have suffered damage.

Relief efforts have begun in Amizmiz, a large village at the foot of the mountains that has become an aid hub. Some survivors have been provided with yellow tents, while others still shelter under blankets. The question of what will happen if it rains weighs heavily on their minds.

The Complexities of International Aid Approval

The decision by Morocco to accept aid only from countries with close relations has drawn criticism from Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France, as their offers of support have been declined. The Moroccan government has defended its approach, with Caroline Holt of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies stating that they are prioritizing search-and-rescue operations before the window of opportunity closes.

However, frustration exists among NGOs and volunteers who are eager to help but have been denied entry. The French NGO Secouristes Sans Frontieres, which specializes in earthquake response, had offered a team of nine, but no response was received from the Moroccan embassy. Arnaud Fraisse, a member of the organization, expressed his disappointment, saying, “Now, four days later, it is too late to leave because we are here to work urgently, to save people under the rubble, not to discover corpses.”

Advice for Morocco‘s Relief Efforts

In the face of this humanitarian crisis, it is crucial for Morocco to prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens. The government must ensure that aid reaches all affected areas, including remote villages, and work to expedite the approval of international offers of assistance. Clear communication and coordination with NGOs and volunteers will be instrumental in facilitating an efficient relief effort.

Additionally, it is imperative for the international community to respect Morocco‘s decision to accept aid from countries with strong diplomatic ties. While the desire to help is commendable, it is essential to prioritize the needs and preferences of the affected country’s government.

In the long term, Morocco should focus on developing infrastructure and disaster preparedness measures in order to minimize the impact of future natural disasters. This includes constructing buildings that are more resistant to seismic activity and strengthening emergency response capabilities.

As the days pass, the survivors of this devastating earthquake in Morocco continue to endure unimaginable challenges. It is our collective responsibility to extend a helping hand and provide support during their time of need.