Morocco earthquake latest update: Rescue efforts intensify as death toll claims over 2,000 lives

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Published Sep 11, 2023 at 01:11 PM

Reading time: 2 minutes

49147

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Morocco found itself grappling with a devastating earthquake that hit the country late at night on Friday 8 September 2023, and measured an incredible 6.8 on the Richter scale. As per the latest information available, the nation is dealing with the profound aftermath of this natural disaster, with widespread destruction, significant loss of life, and ongoing search and rescue efforts.

The earthquake’s epicentre was located in the High Atlas mountain range, about 72 kilometres (44.7 miles) southwest of Marrakech, a city of about 840,000 people—but its impact was felt as far north as Casablanca.

On Monday 11 September, the official death toll tragically surpassed 2,000, currently standing at 2,122 lives lost. Alongside this grim statistic, 2,421 individuals have been reported as injured.

@i_news25

An earthquake struck Morocco today, September 9, 2023, with a magnitude of 6.9 #earthquake #marocaine🇲🇦 #terremoto #sismo #temblor #scary #pirate #fyp #viral #fypシ

♬ Danger - SoundAudio

Morocco declares three days of national mourning

In recognition of the scale of this tragedy, Morocco declared three days of national mourning for the nation to come together, grieve, and reflect on the lives that were lost in the natural disaster.

In the face of this deadly tragedy, Morocco has received support from around the world. King Mohammed VI expressed heartfelt gratitude to several countries that extended their assistance. Spain, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates were thanked for their aid efforts.

https://www.tiktok.com/@disasters.today/video/7277042412646599969?_r=1&_t=8fb7xd55GDo

The leader of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, reported “profound sorrow” in response to the catastrophic earthquake. He also extended his heartfelt condolences to the King, the Moroccan populace, and the bereaved families of the victims.

Across the Atlantic in the US, Moroccan scholars have launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide aid to the affected villages. These scholars are collaborating closely with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community leaders to ensure that the funds raised have the greatest direct impact on the families affected by the earthquake.

How badly has Marrakesh been impacted by the earthquake?

Marrakesh, known for its rich architectural heritage, suffered significant damage during the earthquake. Many of the historic buildings and structures that have adorned the city for centuries faced destruction. Parts of the 12th-century walls, which surround the millennia-old city founded by the Almoravid dynasty, were also affected.

Eric Falt, the Maghreb region director for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), emphasised the importance of planning not only for immediate rescue efforts but also for the subsequent phase of rebuilding schools and cultural properties affected by the earthquake.

@firstpostindia

#Morocco Earthquake: #UNESCO World #Heritage Buildings Damaged

♬ original sound - firstpostindia

How are other countries helping Morocco?

International support has been pouring in to aid Morocco in this dire time. The UK has dispatched 60 search and rescue specialists, along with search dogs and rescue equipment, via two Royal Air Force A400M aircraft.

Spain, in a display of solidarity, sent 86 rescuers and eight search dogs. Qatar, too, has stepped forward, preparing to send aid that includes planes loaded with search and rescue equipment, medical supplies, and food.

Another notable offer of assistance came from neighbouring Algeria, despite diplomatic tensions between the two nations. Algeria has offered humanitarian aid and has readied emergency and medical teams, along with necessary aid supplies, awaiting approval from Rabat.

This heart-wrenching situation continues to unfold with a heavy toll, as the number of lives lost tragically continues to rise. Please note that this situation remains dynamic, and the provided information reflects the most recent updates available at the time of this article.

Keep On Reading

By Etan Nechin

In Israel, a ceasefire and a new government don’t mean an end to the bloody status quo

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

6 things you need to know about the Maui wildfires and how to help

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Did Justin Bieber unfollow Usher on Instagram because of his former ties to Diddy?

By Charlie Sawyer

Nick Fuentes doxxed after coining disturbing your body, my choice phrase on X

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Balenciaga’s new $450 barefoot shoe sparks outrage for leaving feet exposed

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Woman who protested hijab law in Iran by stripping in public has disappeared after violent arrest

By Charlie Sawyer

Who is shaman and conspiracy theorist Durek Verrett, Princess Märtha Louise of Norway’s new husband?

By Charlie Sawyer

Calls for Gisèle Pelicot to be named TIME Magazine’s Person of the Year after Trump takes title

By Charlie Sawyer

Did the Daily Mail shut down the TikTok parody account History Mail?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Israel’s controversial ban on UNRWA: Examining the legal fallout and humanitarian consequences

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

German company launches first digital condom aiming to block non-consensual recording during sex?

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Americans are learning mandarin and fleeing to RedNote and Lemon8 ahead of controversial TikTok ban

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Tampons contain arsenic, lead, and other toxic metals, study confirms

By Charlie Sawyer

Zach Bryan abuse allegations: Brianna Chickenfry speaks with singer’s ex-wife Rose Madden

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Did Woah Vicky fake her kidnapping? Exploring her most viral and controversial moments

By Abby Amoakuh

A femicide crisis is silently unfolding in Germany. We asked experts to weigh in on the reasons why

By Abby Amoakuh

Would you drink mayonnaise? New viral Japanese drink by Lawson divides the internet

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Why does ChatGPT shut down when you ask it about a man called David Mayer? We investigate

By Fatou Ferraro Mboup

Unmasking exploitation in Africa: My undercover journey into Kenya’s Chinese seafood factories

By Charlie Sawyer

Blake Lively’s allegations against Justin Baldoni: Why perfect victim narratives must end