26 Completely Terrifying And Surreal Pictures Showing How Powerful The Earthquake In Morocco Was
BuzzFeed
·4-min read
1.On Friday, a powerful earthquake hit Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains. According to the Weather Channel, the 6.8 magnitude quake was the largest Morocco has seen in 120 years.
Picture Alliance / dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images
2.Aerial footage shows how affected communities were turned to rubble...
Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
3....as buildings, businesses, and homes crashed to the ground.
Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
4.As of this morning, about 2,500 people have been reported dead, and at least 1,400 are critically injured. These numbers are expected to rise as rescue efforts are underway.
Fadel Senna / AFP via Getty Images
5.However, rescue is not entirely easy in this case. According to CNN, the army, police, and civil defense members have been deployed to support all efforts, but flattened buildings and rubble are blocking road accessibility to some remote regions.
7.Because of this, reports say some Moroccans feel as if they must "fend for themselves" amidst the disaster.
Picture Alliance / dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images
8."The rescue efforts are ongoing to reach the difficult areas," a Moroccan government official told CNN. "The earthquake struck mountainous areas that are scattered geographically, and it’s difficult to reach these areas in some cases."
Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
9. Heavy machinery is being utilized to clear the way so that help can get through currently impassible roads.
13.Meanwhile, local villagers are doing what they can to build makeshift camps with bamboo...
Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
14....and dig graves to bury their loved ones.
Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images
15.Families are searching their fallen homes for valued belongings.
Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images
16.One man was seen retrieving blankets from the wreckage.
Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images
17.And this family gathered all they have left as they waited for help.
Philippe Lopez / AFP via Getty Images
18.Some communities have set up tents to gather under.
Fethi Belaid / AFP via Getty Images
19.And others sleep outside.
Carl Court / Getty Images
20.Many have come together, using their bare hands to sift through what's left of their towns.
Fadel Senna / AFP via Getty Images
21.The United Nations estimated that about 300,000 people throughout the region have been affected, ABC News reported.
Nurphoto / NurPhoto via Getty Images
22.Leadership in several countries have pledged to help Morocco, including France, which intends to donate $5 million in aid and China, whose Red Cross Society has pledged to send $200,000 in emergency humanitarian cash.
Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
23.And rescue teams from Spain, Britain, and Qatar have arrived.
Philippe Lopez / AFP via Getty Images
24.As of right now, these rescue missions are of the utmost importance.
Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
25.If you would like to help the people of Morocco, the International Federation of Red Cross is supporting the Moroccan Red Crescent's emergency response team with first aid and search and rescue efforts. You can donate to their fund here.
Anadolu Agency / Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
26.Or you can donate to the Islamic Relief USA nonprofit, whose fund is meant to support the immediate needs of the community through food, shelter, and healthcare assistance.
Sopa Images / SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images