People in Morocco are using only their hands to try and find survivors after a big earthquake on Friday. They’re trying really hard to help.
In Morocco, a powerful earthquake has caused a lot of damage. Many villages are affected, and people are trying hard to find survivors. The government is being asked to accept more help from other countries. So far, they’ve accepted help from Spain, the UK, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The earthquake, the strongest in 60 years, hit the High Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh and destroyed many small villages. One village, Tafeghaghte, has lost nearly half of its 200 people, and many are still missing. It’s hard for big machines to clear the roads because of all the rocks and debris.
In a village called Moulay Brahim, a man named Said saw his neighbor’s house fall down. There were six people in the family, and only the father survived. The mother and four children, aged 15, 8, 5, and almost 3, didn’t make it. Said is in shock and hasn’t been able to eat or sleep since Friday.
A UK rescue team is on its way to help, focusing on treating serious injuries. If help doesn’t arrive soon, there’s a risk of the disease spreading.
Over 300,000 people have been affected by the disaster, according to the World Health Organization. Important places like the Tinmel Mosque and Marrakesh’s old city have been badly damaged.
Many countries, like the United States, Tunisia, Turkey, Taiwan, and France, want to help. Even Algeria, which has a complicated history with Morocco, offered support. They have specialized rescuers, medical staff, dogs, and supplies. But the Moroccan government is worried about too many groups coming at once. They think it might make things more chaotic.
A doctor in Marrakesh said private clinics like hers are helping earthquake victims for free. She’s amazed at how the community is coming together to support each other. Trucks are going up to the mountains, and people are even driving to supermarkets to get supplies up the hill.
SOURCE: BBC