In a tragic turn of events, Marrakech, Morocco, was rocked by a devastating earthquake that claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people. The aftermath of this natural disaster has brought the nation together in mourning and resilience. Morocco's King Mohamed VI has responded with compassion and unity, ordering mosques nationwide to hold funeral prayers, known as 'Janazah' prayers, at noon on Sunday to honor the victims.
National Mourning
Flags across the nation flew at half-mast as a symbol of respect and solidarity for the lives lost. The state news agency reported this poignant gesture, reflecting the deep sorrow that has gripped the Moroccan people.
A Nationwide Call for Assistance
As the news of the earthquake's devastating impact spread, Moroccans rallied together to support their fellow citizens. Hospitals and donation centers across the country witnessed an outpouring of compassion as individuals lined up to donate blood. The Regional Blood Transfusion Center of Marrakech initiated an urgent appeal for citizens to contribute, highlighting the critical need for medical assistance in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Fear and Survival
In the wake of the earthquake, fear loomed over Marrakech. People were reluctant to return to their homes, terrified that another tremor might cause further damage to already weakened structures. Many found refuge in the city's parks, squares, and large parking lots, opting to sleep outside in the open air rather than risk the safety of their homes.
Moustapha Shweirgi, a market trader at Marrakech's iconic Jemaa el-Fna square, shared his harrowing experience. He described feeling like someone was trying to knock him over when the earthquake struck late on Friday. The fear was palpable, with people around him screaming and panicking.
Jemaa el-Fna, normally bustling with tourists and locals enjoying food stalls and live music, witnessed a night of terror as the quake struck. People clung to railings and tables on the first-floor terrace of a nearby café, struggling to maintain their footing. Tragically, some buildings, including a mosque, crumbled before their eyes.
A Night of Terror
Outside a damaged mosque, Zined Hatimi recounted the terrifying moments of Friday night. People who were inside the mosque, engaged in prayer, rushed outside as the ground trembled beneath them. Fearful of returning to their homes, Hatimi, along with her entire family, including young children, sought refuge in a central Marrakech park, braving the cold night together.
The earthquake's impact was not uniform across the city. Ali, a café owner in the Medina, shared his experience of the quake. Initially, he didn't realize the extent of the destruction, and he and his family went back to sleep after being awakened by the tremors. It was only on Saturday morning that they learned of the earthquake's severity. Thankfully, his home and those of his neighbors remained unscathed.
Ali, who had experienced an earthquake once before in the 1960s, compared the two events, noting similarities in their intensity. His story, like many others, underscores the diverse experiences of the people of Marrakech in the face of this catastrophic event.
Conclusion
As Morocco mourns the loss of more than 2,000 lives in the Marrakech earthquake, the nation comes together to support one another. The call for unity, compassion, and resilience is evident as citizens donate blood, share their stories, and face the fear of uncertainty with courage. While the road to recovery will be long and challenging, the spirit of Morocco remains unbroken, and the nation stands united in the face of adversity.
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