Breaking News: Aftershock Hits Morocco as Death Toll Surpasses 2,000 in Devastating Earthquake

In a harrowing turn of events, Morocco has been struck by a magnitude 3.9 aftershock, further challenging rescue efforts in the wake of Friday’s catastrophic magnitude 6.8 earthquake. The initial earthquake has claimed over 2,000 lives and left countless ancient towns reduced to rubble.

The United Nations has estimated that approximately 300,000 people have been affected by the earthquake, with the primary focus remaining on the urgent task of rescuing survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Adeeni Mustafa, a resident of Asni, located 30 miles south of Marrakech, described the dire situation, stating, “There are a lot of blocked roads, a lot of people can’t find their parents, and a lot of people are still under the rubble. People are still searching for their relatives. Everything came down on them, the mountains, their homes.”

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent has swiftly released $1.1 million in aid to support the Moroccan Red Crescent’s emergency response. President Joe Biden has pledged U.S. assistance, although international aid crews are awaiting formal requests from the Moroccan government.

Arnaud Fraisse, the founder of Rescuers Without Borders, emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “There are people dying under the rubble, and we cannot do anything to save them.” A small team of disaster experts from the U.S. has arrived in Morocco to assess the extent of the damage.

In a show of solidarity, Britain has announced plans to deploy 60 search-and-rescue officers, four sniffer dogs, and a four-person medical assessment team. Rescue teams from Spain and Qatar are also en route to assist in the rescue efforts.

Pope Francis has offered prayers for the victims of this devastating disaster.

Latest Developments:

The death toll from the earthquake has tragically risen to 2,122, with 2,421 reported injuries, according to Al Alaraby TV, citing the Moroccan Ministry of Interior.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has pledged Israel’s assistance “as much as is required,” marking a significant gesture in their improved bilateral relations.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has declared three days of mourning for the victims of the earthquake.

In the mountain village of Moulay Brahim, which was severely impacted by the earthquake, residents are grappling with death, desperation, and sadness as rescuers search for survivors and remains. Many of the village’s less than 3,000 residents are now homeless after the quake shattered their antiquated dwellings, which were constructed from clay bricks and cinder blocks. A resident named Ayoub Toudite described the terrifying moment, saying, “We felt a huge shake like it was doomsday. Ten seconds, and everything was gone.” Villagers have set up a large tent, typically used for weddings, to provide shelter for those whose homes were destroyed.

U.N. Mission Assesses Damage to Historic Sites:

The earthquake’s epicenter, located about 40 miles south of Marrakech, has taken a toll on the city of 1 million people, which serves as the heart of Morocco’s tourist industry. In Marrakesh’s Old City, part of a 12th-century mosque tower in Jemaa el-Fnaa square collapsed, causing injuries and property damage in the vicinity.

To address the significant cultural and educational losses, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has dispatched a mission to the Marrakesh area. Their mission is to help local authorities assess the damage to cultural and educational sites, enhance building safety, and prepare for reconstruction. UNESCO Director General Audrey Azoulay expressed her support for the Moroccan people during this trying time, stating, “All my support to the Moroccan people after this terrible earthquake that has claimed so many victims and caused so much damage.”