RAJA KHAYRAT

Marrakesh- A 7 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco on September 8. According to Morocco's Interior Ministry, the earthquake has killed at least 2,862 people and injured over 2,500. While the search and rescue efforts continue in the country, the number of casualties keeps increasing. Women living in the Orayalt village of Morocco’s Al Haouz province have been waiting for humanitarian aid since the earthquake.

 Fatima Al-Murabit, one of the survivors of the earthquake, said, “We heard a very frightening sound. We could not understand what it was, a thunder or a storm. When we began to shake, we screamed. We have not entered our house since the earthquake.”

The earthquake destroyed their house

Khaduj Orik stated that they experienced great fear due to the earthquake and noted that their house was destroyed in the earthquake. “There are 62 families in the village. Fortunately, they survived the earthquake; however, they cannot enter their houses in fear that the houses will collapse in aftershocks.”

 Fadma Ait Lahcen could not walk when the earthquake hit Morocco due to panic. Her husband pulled her to the door and took out. ‘We are afraid of entering our house. For this reason, we have stayed outside since September 8. It is getting cold so we need blankets, food and tents now.”

Fatima Puri said that their house started shaking after they had dinner. “It was frightening. I thought we would die. We went out with our children. We spent the night outside with other people. We have not slept properly for three days. We have been waiting for humanitarian aid for three days.”

16-year-old Fatiha Zakka is also a survivor of the earthquake. Speaking about what happened on September 8, she said, “I heard a voice I've never heard before. I began to scream until my mother held my arms and took me out. Still, I cannot believe what happened. I hope this nightmare will end soon so that we can have our normal life. I have stayed outside with my parents for three days. People have been waiting for humanitarian aid.”