In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake that struck Morocco’s Atlas Mountains area, the international community has rallied to provide aid and support. The quake, which occurred late on Friday and registered at a magnitude of 6.8 according to the U.S. Geological Survey, has tragically claimed the lives of over 2,012 people, making it the country’s deadliest earthquake in over six decades.
The United Kingdom has taken swift action in response to this catastrophe. The U.K. government announced today that it will deploy 60 search and rescue teams, essential supplies, and medical personnel to Morocco.
These teams are set to depart immediately aboard Ministry of Defense-provided aircraft. Equipped with specialized tools, including seismic listening devices and concrete cutting and breaking equipment, these teams aim to extricate individuals trapped in the wreckage of collapsed buildings.
In a heartfelt gesture of solidarity, King Charles of the United Kingdom extended his condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco. King Charles expressed his shock at the “devastating loss of life” and conveyed his sympathies for himself and his wife.
Moroccan authorities, grappling with the enormity of the disaster, have declared three days of national mourning as the death toll rises. The earthquake’s epicenter, located in remote and challenging-to-reach alpine areas, has caused widespread destruction to entire communities, impeding the efforts of rescue workers to recover bodies from the debris.
In Marrakech, the nearest major city to the affected region, many locals have spent a second night sleeping on the streets out of fear of returning to their damaged homes. The earthquake has also taken a toll on the city’s historic sites, which are popular tourist destinations.
In response to the disaster, King Mohammed VI of Morocco has ordered three days of mourning and called for Sunday funeral prayers at all mosques. As rescue operations continue and the nation comes to terms with the scale of the tragedy, Morocco and its international partners are united in their efforts to provide relief and support to those affected by this devastating earthquake.
