After the major earthquake in Morocco on Saturday night that left at least 2,000 dead and an aftershock, the North African kingdom has accepted help from four countries: the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Spain and Great Britain. Rescue teams from the last two countries have already started their operations.
Britain sent 60 search and rescue experts and equipment, as well as four search dogs to Morocco to support the Moroccan-led operations. A special Spanish military unit with sniffer dogs also flew to Morocco on Sunday.
Financial injection from France
France is supporting the work of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the country with five million euros. Morocco initially did not respond to France’s offer to send rescuers to the earthquake-hit area. This caused a lot of discussion in France, where many Moroccans live.
However, there should be no political reasons or tensions between the countries behind it. The “brother country” Morocco has good civil protection and is able to get the situation under control itself, according to the French Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin.
Location still unclear‘
Although several countries, including Austria and Germany, offered assistance, Morocco initially only accepted support from four countries. The authorities have carefully assessed the needs. The situation is still confusing. More than 2,100 people have died and many people are in psychological distress.
People sleep on the street
“The last few nights in Morocco were terrible. Hundreds of people sleep on the streets or lie in parks with blankets because they are afraid to go home. People are exhausted. In addition to the enormous physical devastation, the emotional damage caused by the horror experienced and the fear endured is also very serious,” said Hlima Razkaoui, Secretary General of Care Morocco. It is said that no rescuer has yet reached many remote areas in the Atlas Mountains.
“It can take years to process the trauma”
In addition to the rescue operations, NGOs began to provide assistance to the population affected by the severe destruction. Humanitarian aid and psychological support should also follow. Thousands of people not only lost everything, but also suffered serious trauma. “It is now important to support people not only with humanitarian aid such as food, water, shelter and hygiene products, but also psychologically (…) However, processing is also essential for recovery after such disasters and this can take months if “ It won’t take years,” says Razkaoui.
There is a great need for relief supplies in the earthquake area
The need for relief supplies in the earthquake zone in the Atlas Mountains is great. According to the Moroccan Red Crescent, there is a lack of shelter, food and clean drinking water. The Austrian Red Cross could help with WASH (“Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Promotion”) tools if support is needed, says Michael Opriesnig, Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross.
According to the Austrian Foreign Ministry, there are currently around 130 registered travelers from Austria in the country – as things stand, none have been injured.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
