TNIRTE, Morocco: In the wake of a devastating magnitude 6.8 earthquake that shook the mountainous regions surrounding Marrakesh, Morocco, a story of resilience and hope emerges through the actions of Abdel Abed. Five days have passed since the earthquake, yet Abed’s determination remains unwavering as he tirelessly joins fellow villagers in the gruelling task of digging through rubble. His nine-year-old daughter, Shaima, remains trapped under the debris, and Abed clings to the belief that she may still be alive.
Abed’s devotion to the rescue effort is nothing short of remarkable. His wife had tragically perished amidst the rubble just the day before, and he himself was miraculously saved on Saturday, according to a relative. Nearby, a small team of Spanish firefighters abandons their lunch to lend a hand in the search. Though they’ve sent their sniffer dogs home, their dedication remains resolute, driven by the conviction that every life is worth saving.
Earthquake Survivors Search for Loved Ones in Atlas Mountains pic.twitter.com/sgDinQVWSU
— muhammad chaudhary (@ranaworldecho) September 13, 2023
Tnirte, nestled in the High Atlas Mountains, now has two town centres strewn with rubble. Along the path connecting these centres, young men either ride or lead donkeys laden with essential aid from the delivery point below. The air is heavy with the scent of decay, and almost everyone here has suffered a profound loss.
Abdel Ali, a 22-year-old resident, leads his donkey along the debris-strewn path, recounting the destruction of his home and the tragic loss of his grandfather and aunt. His swift pace reflects the urgency of the situation as he pushes forward with emergency aid.
While relief efforts in the region are only beginning to gather momentum, the visit of Morocco’s King Mohamed VI to Marrakesh on Tuesday has lent prestige and support to these efforts. Beyond the city limits, in Amizmiz, international aid has arrived in the form of a camp.
Rows of meticulously arranged tents house rescue teams from the United Kingdom, Qatar, Israel, and various other countries. They deliberate on strategies to navigate the challenging terrain, well aware that access remains a significant challenge due to blocked routes caused by boulders and landslides. Russ Gordon, a team leader for the UK’s rescue mission, emphasizes the importance of collaborating with Moroccan civil defense and military personnel, relying on their local knowledge.
Medical aid clinics have sprung up rapidly, constructed from flat packs along the winding mountain roads. Dr. Ismail Mesteri, a 26-year-old medical professional, prepares for an influx of patients, though resources are limited. The most critical cases will need to be transported to a university hospital in Marrakesh, a daunting two-hour journey.
Mesteri gestures towards the road, already congested with vehicles waiting for a broken-down truck to clear the way. He laments the fact that people risk their lives travelling to Marrakesh due to traffic jams, further hampering relief efforts.
A young girl helping out in Morocco, she’s got the heart of a lioness pic.twitter.com/RzPsHT3XAp
— muhammad chaudhary (@ranaworldecho) September 13, 2023
Traffic congestion is a critical challenge, especially on narrow roads that struggle to accommodate relief trucks, ambulances, donkeys, and motorbikes simultaneously. Critics argue that poverty, as much as geological factors, has played a significant role in the devastation experienced in this region.
The Moroccan government has promised an extensive rebuilding program, offering new houses built to modern standards to many residents. However, the logistics are formidable, requiring the widening of miles of treacherous roads and the renovation of centuries-old homes to meet current seismic retrofitting standards.
Chef Lhassen Boqqi, who hails from the High Atlas Mountains, acknowledges the necessity of change but laments the potential loss of tradition. He reflects on the shifting aspirations of young people who no longer wish to reside in the villages but seek education in Marrakesh. Boqqi acknowledges that the mountains have been a sanctuary but anticipates that more people will migrate to the city, leading to a shift from traditional houses to concrete ones.
In the midst of this challenging time, many survivors are simply grateful to be alive. In Anerni, where 34 people lost their lives, seven remain in the hospital, while others seek aid in makeshift camps. Ahmed al-Hajj, 84, stands amidst the ruins of his home, his sister and three children lost in the quake. Nearby, the ruined mosque bears witness to the imam’s son’s tragic death.
