The death toll continues to rise after Morocco’s most powerful earthquake in more than a century.
More than 2,100 people have been confirmed dead, and state media in the country are reporting an additional 2,300 individuals were injured in the earthquake, 14,000 of whom are believed to have serious injuries. Officials anticipate that these figures will increase as the rescue operation continues.
Many governments around the world and the United Nations have offered their support, including rescue and recovery assistance, to the African nation as it continues to assess the damage.
However, Moroccans expressed concern about the government’s limited acceptance of external aid. associated Press.
“We know it is too early to rescue people and dig under the remains of buildings,” said Arnaud Frayse, founder of Rescuers Without Borders, whose team was waiting in Paris for approval to proceed. “People are dying under the debris, and we can’t do anything to save them.
President Joe Biden expressed condolences to the people of Morocco after a deadly 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Friday night.
“I would like to express my grief over the loss of life and destruction caused by the earthquake in Morocco. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Morocco,” President Biden said. “We are working quickly to ensure that American citizens in Morocco are safe, and we stand ready to provide any necessary assistance to the Moroccan people.”
Marrakesh and Atlas mountain cities such as Moulay Brahim were badly affected. The most extensive damage occurred in remote mountain communities, which were inaccessible due to roads blocked by fallen rocks. According to AP, an earthquake of 3.9 magnitude occurred again in these areas on Sunday.
While rescue workers continue to comb through the debris to find people trapped under the debris, officials say the next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial in trying to save more lives.
UN estimates More than 300,000 people were affected by the earthquake.
Additional reporting by The Associated Press.