Morocco’s King Mohammed VI Visits Earthquake-Hit Region as Rescue Efforts Continue
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has personally visited the region devastated by a powerful earthquake that claimed the lives of over 2,900 people. The 60-year-old monarch traveled to the earthquake-stricken area after donating blood at a hospital in Marrakesh. The death toll from the 6.8 magnitude quake has risen to 2,901, with over 5,530 people injured. This earthquake is the deadliest in Morocco since 1960 and the most powerful in over a century.
Rescue and relief efforts are currently underway, with authorities focusing on clearing the damaged roads and helping those in need. Witnesses have described the rescue efforts as slow, particularly in the villages of the Atlas Mountains where road conditions are challenging. The situation is most dire for people in remote areas cut off by landslides triggered by the earthquake.
In accessible locations, relief efforts are intensifying, with the distribution of food, water, and the establishment of tent camps. However, some survivors camping along the Tizi n’Test road, connecting remote valleys to Marrakech, expressed their frustration with the government’s response, stating that they have not received any assistance. They called for immediate help, including tents, as they feel forgotten by the authorities.
Several countries, including Spain, Qatar, Britain, and the UAE, have offered their support to Morocco, which has accepted aid from friendly countries based on its evaluation of needs. However, the Moroccan government has not yet responded to offers of assistance from organizations like the United Nations (UN). The UN estimates that over 300,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, with approximately 100,000 children among them.
While Germany has offered help, the authorities in Morocco have not shown interest in the offer. The government’s reasons for not seeking assistance from the UN, which has significant experience in responding to natural disasters, remain unclear. Nevertheless, rescue and relief efforts continue as the chances of finding survivors diminish.
As Morocco grapples with the aftermath of this devastating earthquake, the international community stands ready to provide assistance. The king’s visit to the affected region showcases his personal commitment to supporting the victims and offering solidarity in their time of need. With ongoing efforts to restore infrastructure and support those affected, the hope is that affected communities will soon receive the help they so desperately require.
