Morocco is still in shock after a magnitude 6.8 earthquake rocked the country on Tuesday night and left at least 2,500 people dead. The powerful quake caused immense destruction to homes, roads, and other infrastructure in the southwestern region near the tourist city of Marrakech, leaving thousands homeless.
In an effort to aid in the rescue of those still trapped beneath collapsed structures, local rescue teams have joined forces from Spain, France, the United States, and Israel, among other countries. According to the country’s authorities, this is the most serious earthquake to hit the region in the last six decades.
Hundreds of families are still searching for their missing loved ones with the help of local and international rescue teams. These teams are relying on a wide range of technological devices, such as thermal cameras that are able to detect the infrared radiation emitted by objects and can detect temperature changes and search and rescue robots, in order to maximize the chances of finding survivors.
Unfortunately, blocked and damaged roads have interfered with the progress of rescue teams. The Moroccan government has declared a period of national mourning in the wake of this tragedy. Still, rescue and relief efforts are ongoing as hopes of finding survivors remain high.
In the face of such destruction, the loss of life on such a grand scale, and a race against time to save those who are still trapped, aid from other countries is invaluable. Rescue teams are working hard to reunite families and aid those in distress.