The Struggle for Survival Continues
In the aftermath of the earthquake in Morocco, the plight of many survivors is dire. They are confronted with the ruins of their existence, and in some regions, food and water are scarce. The death toll has now reached almost 3,000.
Following the devastating earthquake in Morocco, the confirmed death toll has risen to 2,901. The Moroccan Ministry of the Interior has confirmed that 5,530 injured individuals have been counted so far. A significant number of the deceased have already been buried.
The late Friday evening earthquake was the most severe in decades in Morocco, measuring a magnitude of 6.8. King Mohammed VI has declared a three-day state of mourning. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 300,000 people in Marrakesh and the surrounding areas are affected by the tragedy.
Survival Struggle in Earthquake-Stricken Areas
On the fourth day after the severe earthquake, hope of finding survivors amidst the rubble is diminishing. Dozens of villages have been destroyed, as reported by the Moroccan news site “Hespress”. In addition to recovering and burying the dead, residents are also facing shortages of food and water.
Soldiers and international aid workers are also slowly making their way to the devastated villages in the Atlas Mountains.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), around 100,000 children have been affected by the disaster. Thousands of houses have been destroyed in the country, leaving many families homeless and exposed to the cold nights.
Pressure on the Government
The Moroccan government is facing increasing pressure to accept more international aid. So far, the North African country has only accepted assistance from four countries. Offers from Germany have also not been accepted thus far.
“We want to provide quick help after this terrible natural disaster,” said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser. The Federal Agency for Technical Relief is preparing aid deliveries to support the population in the affected areas.
Atlas Mountains Popular Among Tourists
A resident of Asni, writing for a local newspaper, blames the government, stating, “They do not want earthquake-resistant houses to be built here for fear of losing their charm for tourists.” This is why the region has been hit so hard by the catastrophe.
The Atlas Mountains, with their beautiful landscape and villages built along the red mountain slopes, are a popular tourist destination. However, experts believe that the houses are not built robustly enough to withstand strong tremors. Earthquakes are relatively rare in North Africa.
According to reports from the Arab TV channel Al-Arabiya, King Mohammed VI plans to visit the affected areas. He also intends to visit a hospital in Marrakesh.