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Devastating Morocco Earthquake Claims Over 2,800 Lives, Survivors Seek Shelter Under Open Skies.
Devastating Morocco Earthquake Claims Over 2,800 Lives, Survivors Seek Shelter Under Open Skies.
TINMEL, Morocco – In the aftermath of Morocco’s most powerful earthquake in more than a century, residents in ravaged regions found themselves camping outdoors for a fourth consecutive night on Monday. The quake, measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, struck late Friday night in the High Atlas Mountains, reducing the region’s traditional mud brick homes to rubble and pushing the death toll to surpass 2,800.
International rescue teams from Spain, Britain, and Qatar have united with Moroccan authorities in a relentless quest to locate survivors amidst the devastation.
Late on Monday, state TV reported the grim news that the death toll had climbed to 2,862, with an additional 2,562 individuals injured. Due to the challenging terrain of the quake-stricken areas, there remains uncertainty regarding the number of people still missing.
Tinmel, a village that bore the brunt of the earthquake’s fury, witnessed the destruction of nearly every residence, rendering its entire population homeless. The scent of death emanates from numerous animals entombed beneath the debris.
Mouhamad Elhasan, 59, recounted the tragic moment when the earthquake struck as his family dined together. His 31-year-old son was struck by a collapsing neighbor’s roof as he fled outside, eventually succumbing to the rubble. Elhasan’s frantic search for his son ended in heartbreak, a painful reminder of the peril that unfolded.
Residents of Tinmel and neighboring villages demonstrated remarkable resilience, pulling survivors from the rubble using their bare hands.
In Tikekhte, where few structures remain standing, 66-year-old Mohamed Ouchen recounted the heroic efforts of residents who rescued 25 people, including his sister, through manual labor. “We were busy rescuing. Because we didn’t have tools, we used our hands,” he said. “Her head was visible, and we kept digging by hand.”
Footage captured in the remote village of Imi N’Tala, filmed by Spanish rescuer Antonio Nogales of the aid group “Bomberos Unidos Sin Fronteras” (United Firefighters Without Borders), depicted men and dogs navigating treacherous terrain strewn with debris.
“The level of destruction is… absolute,” Nogales struggled to articulate the magnitude of the devastation. “Not a single house has remained intact.” Despite the enormity of the damage, rescue teams, accompanied by search dogs, maintained hope of discovering survivors.
The epicenter of the quake, located approximately 72 km (45 miles) southwest of Marrakech, caused damage to historic buildings in the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 12th-century Tinmel Mosque, a site of historical significance, also bore the brunt of the tremor’s force.
However, the more modern areas of Marrakech, including a location near the airport scheduled for IMF and World Bank meetings next month, were mostly unaffected by the disaster.
The Moroccan government intends to proceed with these meetings, expecting over 10,000 attendees.
Rescue efforts are ongoing, with some survivors initially criticizing the slow response. Tent camps began appearing by Monday night, providing shelter to those spending their fourth night outdoors.
The army is reinforcing search-and-rescue teams, supplying essential items like water, food, tents, and blankets. A major road from the High Atlas Mountains to Marrakech was congested as relief vehicles and volunteers headed to the hardest-hit areas.
Morocco has received aid from Spain, Britain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, all sending search-and-rescue specialists and resources. Algeria allocated three planes for rescue personnel and aid transport, while other countries’ relief offers may also be accepted by the Moroccan government in the future
Source: Reuters
HIGH CHIEF SUNNY GBEGHA JP CELEBRATES DAUGHTER’S ACADEMIC MILESTONES
By: Daire Perez
Okija, Anambra State – Father and community leader, High Chief Sunny Gbegha JP, the Egbakarewei of Iduwini Kingdom, Delta State, has expressed immense joy and gratitude to God as his daughter, Miss Gbegha Tamarauikiye Favour, successfully completed notable academic milestones at Madonna University, Okija.
Miss Favour graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance, earning an impressive Second-Class Upper (2.1) classification. Going a step further in her academic pursuit, she has also obtained a Master of Science (M.Sc.) Degree in Banking and Finance from the same institution.
This has received warm reactions from family and friends with many congratulating the young lad. I a message filled with joy, High Chief Gbegha described his daughter’s achievements as a testament to hard work, discipline, and divine grace. He noted that her academic excellence brings honour not only to their family but also to the wider community.
Community members, friends, and well-wishers have continued to congratulate Miss Favour for her outstanding accomplishments, celebrating her as an inspiration to young scholars across the region.
IduwiniVoice joins in this congratulations to our shining young lady.
(c) IduwiniVoice
By: Divine Perezide
Former leader of Burutu Legislative House, Rt. Hon. Joseph Alubeze, has expressed heartfelt birthday felicitations to the his former boss and leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Gbabozor Pondi, Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and the Chairman, House Committee on the South-South Development Commission.
In his congratulatory message, Alubeze described Pondi as an astute leader whose antecedent smarcks of nothing but people-oriented service and dedication that continue to inspire many within and beyond the Constituency.
“Happy Blessed Birthday to you, my Dear Leader, Rt. Hon. Julius Pondi – Member Representing Burutu Federal Constituency and Chairman, South-South Development Commission,” he started.
He prayed for renewed wisdom, strength, and greater achievement for the federal lawmaker as he marks a new year. “May this new year of yours be filled with wisdom, strength, and greater accomplishments as you continue to serve with dedication and grace,” he added.
Hon. Alubeze, a former leader of Burutu House wished his principal Pondi, whose was his predecessor, many more fruitful years in good health, acknowledging his commitment to the advancement of the South-South region and the nation at large, closing his message with a heartfelt best wishes to the celebrant on his special day.
News
Good News: Presidential Amnesty Office Commences Second Phase of Laptop Distribution to Scholarship Delegates
By: Divine Perezide
Abuja – The Otuaro-led Presidential Amnesty Office, popularly known as PAP, has commenced the second phase of laptop distribution to its scholarship beneficiaries across Nigerian Universities for the 2024/2025 academic year.
According to a statement signed by Mr. Igoniko Oduma, Special Assistant on Media to the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the initiative is part of efforts to enhance learning and research amongst students under the programme.
The exercise, which began following the directive of the Administrator, Chief (Dr.) Dennis Otuaro, makes a continuation of the first phase carried out between April and May 2025, during which over 663 final-year scholarship beneficiaries received laptops.
Dr Otuaro explained that the decision to promoting academic excellence and research productivity. He noted that the gesture also fulfills a promise he made to students during his tour of partner Universities in 2024.
“The laptops are intended to aid the beneficiaries in their studies and research activities” Otuaro state, urging the students to use the devices responsibility and to justify the Federal Governmtent’s modest investment in their education.
He also advised the beneficiaries to remain focus on their academic pursuit and avoid behaviours that could undermine their future prospects.
Reaffirming his administration’s objectives, Dr. Otuaro said the PAP will continue to achieve academic succes, contributing to the socio-economic advancement of the Niger Delta region.
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his consistent support for the programme, describing it as a demonstration of commitment to bridging the human capital development gaping the region.
Dr. Otuaro further urged the youths and people of the region to reciprocate the President’s gesture by supporting his administration’s policies and programmes.
He reaffirmed the PAP’s dedication to consolidating on its achievements in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
(c) IduwiniVoice