Rabat, 11 September, 2023 / 9:50 pm (ACI Africa).
The humanitarian arm of the Catholic Archdiocese of Rabat, Caritas Rabat, is providing assistance to victims of the September 8 deadly earthquake in Morocco that, according to media reports, has left at least 2,000 people dead, and caused widespread damage in and around the Northern African nation’s city of Marrakesh.
In a statement issued Monday, September 11, the Director of Caritas Rabat shares about the situation at Amizmiz, a small town located some 55 kilometers South of Marrakesh, following their visit.
“All the houses were destroyed by the earthquake and people are staying outside,” Fr. Óscar Arturo says, and adds, “These people have found a few tents to spend the night, but the fragility of the tents that were supposed to shelter them is perceptible.”
Fr. Arturo recounts the encounter with the victims of the earthquake at Amizmiz, “We asked the people what they needed at the moment: for them, what they need at the moment is a generator to have electricity at night and to be able to recharge telephones to be able to communicate with the outside world, more tents to spend the night, mattresses, blankets, simple first-aid equipment.”
“The helplessness and fragility are obvious; the looks on people's faces, after the experience, show fatigue and concern,” he further says, adding, “After spending a good deal of time with them, we have decided to send a first convoy to bring them a generator, clothing, first aid kits, food, medicine and, if possible, tents.”
