RESCUERS spent their nights searching for survivors after a powerful earthquake struck Marrakech, Morocco, last Friday night.
Relief workers are also scrambling to reach severely damaged neighborhoods to provide aid.
The magnitude-7.0 earthquake, the deadliest in Morocco in over 60 years, turned buildings to rubble and survivors struggling to find shelter and what was left of their homes.
“My house was here but I don’t see it now. It was destroyed by the earthquake. I came back to take some personal items, but I forgot where I was. I can’t go back now. I can’t even walk. I fled at the right time before it was too late. Thank you so much for your kindness and your help,” according to one of the residents.
“The powerful earthquake struck at around 11:11 pm. This is a tragedy and a natural catastrophe. Most of the people in the old city were sleeping at home. We woke up and fled to save ourselves. We were lucky to reach the street before the buildings collapsed. This house is now dangerous. It could collapse at any time. We lost the house, but we’re alive. That’s the most important thing,” a resident said.
“I hope the authorities will repair or rebuild all the damaged houses. Now my family must leave, but we have nowhere to go,” another resident said.
This is the strongest earthquake that rocked the city of Agadir, Morocco, since 1960, wherein 12,000-15,000 people were killed.
The Moroccan Armed Forces are also helping in search and rescue operations and have built a tent for survivors.
The Moroccan government also said it accepts aid from countries and will coordinate with them if needed.
World leaders, meanwhile, expressed their condolences and offered their solidarity to Morocco.
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also said the United Nations stands ready to assist the Moroccan government in any way needed.
Chinese President Xi Jinping also offered his condolences and expressed readiness to provide humanitarian aid to the said country.
As the death toll continued to rise, the Moroccan government declared a 3-day national mourning, with King Mohammed Vi offering a prayer for his country. He also gave instructions to continue field relief efforts and provide care to victims.
