Not only in Libya have thousands of deaths been reported after heavy storms; four days after the devastating earthquake, hundreds of relatives in Morocco are also mourning the numerous victims. The number of confirmed deaths has now risen to 2,901 and 5,530 injuries have also been counted. Hopes of finding survivors continue to diminish. Dozens of villages have been destroyed.
The earthquake late Friday evening was the worst in Morocco in decades. It had a magnitude of 6.8. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 300,000 people in Marrakech and surrounding areas have been affected by the accident. King Mohammed VI declared three days of national mourning.
Not only do residents have to recover and bury the dead, there is also a lack of food and water.
The risk of disease increases
The head of operations of a British aid group warned on the BBC of an increasing risk of disease if aid was further delayed. Meanwhile, emergency services continued to attempt to enter remote mountain villages.
Heavy equipment such as bulldozers had to be used to clear debris from roads in the rugged terrain so that ambulances could get through after landslides. Many victims have already been buried.
Press King to accept more help
Given this desperate situation in the disaster areas, the Moroccan government is under increasing pressure to accept more international aid. So far, Morocco has only accepted support from four countries: Spain, Britain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The EU is making one million euros available
The European Union is making one million euros available for humanitarian aid. “The tragic earthquake in Morocco has caused terrible suffering and loss of life,” said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Response Janez Lenarcic. The amount should help cover the most urgent needs of the most affected people.
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.
