Rebuilding Spirit Prevails Amidst Morocco's Earthquake Devastation

The earthquake that occurred a week ago severely damaged a mosque in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Amizmiz. The minaret of the six-century-old mosque had a chunk missing, while a row of shops nearby showed a vertical scar as if an axeman had attempted to separate them. The destruction was evident in the remains of buildings, with a television sticking out of the rubble. Amizmiz suffered numerous casualties from the earthquake, and some bodies have yet to be recovered. As I walked around, I encountered a man outside the mosque named Abdi who pointed out even worse destruction around the corner. These houses were completely demolished, but remnants such as a protruding television could still be seen. The impact of the earthquake goes beyond physical damage. Most residents have evacuated their homes due to safety concerns. The fortunate ones have found shelter provided by the government, including yellow and blue tents on the hillsides and in the middle of town. A local hotel also offered free accommodation, reflecting the solidarity of the Moroccan people in times of crisis. During my stay at the hotel, I met Abdelali, a secondary school teacher who spoke passionately about the loss of his students and friends in the earthquake. His daughter's 21st birthday turned tragic as the ground started shaking right after she blew out the candles. Now, Abdelali and his entire family live in a tent, unsure of what the future holds. He expressed the need for a word stronger than "horrific" or "disastrous" to describe the situation. Abdelali's concerns extend to the education of a whole generation, as the school he taught at may remain closed for months, with classes temporarily held in tents. Additionally, his bank was destroyed, forcing him to travel long distances to access money. With winter approaching and the expectation of plunging temperatures and snow-covered slopes, he worries about the condition of his family living in their thin tent. This region of Morocco is already one of the poorest and least developed areas in the country. Many locals expressed frustration with the government's slow response to the crisis. Despite offers of help from France, Morocco has yet to accept foreign support for the extensive reconstruction needed. When asked about her faith in the government's ability to help, a resident named Shaimaa laughed and expressed doubts. However, she had faith in the Moroccan people who had shown unwavering support since the earthquake struck. Moroccans have come together to provide essentials such as water, juice, cooking oil, bread, sanitary products, and blankets to the survivors. They have even braved dangerous mountain roads to deliver aid to those in need. Amidst the devastation, the hospitality and spirit of the Moroccan people remain intact. Abdi, near the damaged mosque, insisted that we eat and served us a dish of steamed vegetables on couscous. Amizmiz, once a beautiful town with stunning views and a popular tourist destination, has been forever changed by the earthquake. This account was featured on the podcast "From Our Own Correspondent" by the BBC.