Morocco deploys all logistical means for earthquake rescue and relief operations
Following royal directives, Moroccan rescue teams and members of the Moroccan Royal Forces are working around the clock to locate and rescue survivors trapped under the rubble after last Friday night's devastating earthquake. Meanwhile, the death toll continues rising. The authorities have confirmed the deaths of more than 2,1000 people, although this number is expected to rise in the coming hours and days. There have also been reports of 2,421 injured, of whom 1,351 are in serious condition.
Une vidéo que j’ai prise à l’instant à la sortie de Marrakech, Route d’Amzmiz
— Jaf (@Jafkech) September 10, 2023
Des centaines de soldats des Forces Armées Royales 🇲🇦 se dirigent vers les zones de sinistrés.
Allah i3awnhoum ya rebbi 🤲🏽🤲🏽#زلزال_المغرب #زلزال_مراكش pic.twitter.com/OhtZPL6ZIS
The earthquake of magnitude 7 on the Richter scale has particularly affected the rural areas of Al Haouz and Taroudant, where rescue operations involving the Royal Armed Forces, in coordination with Civil Protection, the Royal Gendarmerie, the Auxiliary Forces and the local authorities have been focused.
In the affected areas, classes have also been suspended and support measures, such as counselling and psychological support for students, have been put in place. This measure will come into effect this Monday and will be applied in the provinces of Al-Haouz, Chichaoua and Taroudant.
Morocco's Health Minister Khalid Ait Taleb stressed that the country has deployed all available means to ensure rapid intervention during rescue operations during a visit to the affected areas. As the minister stressed, "each region has a large fleet of ambulances estimated at 100 vehicles, including fully equipped medical vehicles".
🔴🇲🇦— les Forces Armées Royales ont déployé d'importants moyens aériens et terrestres, ainsi que des unités d'intervention spécialisées composées d'équipes de recherche et de secours, et d'un hôpital de campagne.
— MM ۞ (@MoorishMovement) September 9, 2023
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This visit, said Ait Taleb, was "in response to the royal instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI to provide medical, psychological and social support to the victims of this tragic event and to evaluate the services provided".
The Moroccan monarch chaired a working session with members of the government on Saturday to assess all the measures taken to deal with the consequences of the earthquake. During the meeting, the King urged the authorities to deploy all necessary means and rescue teams to help those affected by the earthquake.
Sur Hautes Instructions Royales, la distribution des aides se poursuit par les Forces Armées Royales, la Gendarmerie Royale et les autorités locales. pic.twitter.com/4shyhWdmEe
— L'Observateur du Maroc et d'Afrique (@LObsMarAf) September 10, 2023
Mohamed VI also called for the creation of medical field hospitals and the delivery of humanitarian aid, including drinking water and food for the victims, as well as the start of reconstruction work.
Ait Taleb stressed the importance of the measures taken by Rabat under royal orders, including medical assistance. In this regard, the minister also reiterated his thanks to all those who have shown their backing and support, calling on Moroccan citizens to maintain this solidarity.
Quand le séisme touche le Maroc, c'est tout le Maroc qui se mobilise pour aider et soutenir. Solidarité sans faille. 🇲🇦❤️
— MAROCFOOT 🇲🇦 (@MarocFoot22) September 11, 2023
Merci merci merci 🙏🏾 A tout les secouristes d’autres pays , à tout ceux qui viennent nous aider merci 🙏🏾
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Another measure that will significantly reinforce relief operations will be the creation of a specific treasury account known as "the account for the management of the consequences of the earthquake in the Kingdom of Morocco", which will be announced today during a meeting between the Finance and Economic Development Committee of the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Moroccan parliament, and the Finance, Planning and Economic Development Committee of the House of Councillors.
As Morocco World News notes, the establishment of this treasury account for earthquake relief is seen as "a crucial step towards improving the country's disaster management capabilities".
Also noteworthy is the important role of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, an organisation that has launched a massive relief effort aimed at boosting needed assistance to the victims of the natural disaster. This initiative, like those taken by the government, comes as a result of high royal instructions from King Mohammed VI. According to the foundation's project director, Abdellatif Moataad, the association has worked closely with several ministries, including the Interior, Health and Social Protection, as well as local authorities.
