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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
By Favour Bibaikefie
Tomorrow, Friday, May 16, 2025, the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Western Zone — covering Delta, Edo, and Ondo states led by Comrade Nicholas Igarama — will solemnly mark the 57th anniversary of Boro Day at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, NPA Warri, Delta State. The event will feature a dynamic procession through the streets of Warri, followed by an insightful symposium aimed at celebrating and reflecting on the enduring legacy of Ijaw fallen hero, Major Isaac Adaka Boro.
Major Isaac Adaka Boro remains one of the most iconic figures in the history of the Niger Delta and the Ijaw nation. Born in 1938 in the Niger Delta region, Major Boro was a Nigerian nationalist, soldier, and activist who passionately championed the rights of his people long before Biafra Republic causes.
In February 1966, Major Boro declared the Niger Delta Republic — a bold and unprecedented move — in an effort to free the Niger Delta region from the exploitation and marginalization of the Niger Delta region by the Nigerian federal government in collution with multinational oil companies. Though short-lived, this declaration sparked a significant movement for self-determination, environmental justice, and economic fairness in the oil-rich region.
Boro’s armed struggle, sacrifices, and calls for equity continue to inspire generations of Ijaws and Niger Delta activists fighting for justice, resource control, and political representation.
Major Boro, who died in combat on March 9, 1968, remains a revered Niger Delta nationalist and freedom fighter.
The 2025 Boro Day Commemoration
This year’s Boro Day celebration in Warri will bring together Ijaw youths, community leaders, cultural groups, and sympathizers from across Delta, Edo, and Ondo states to honor Major Boro’s memory. The procession will wind through key parts of Warri, symbolizing unity and resilience among the Ijaw people.
Following the procession, a symposium will convene at Chief Tunde Smooth Playground, where distinguished speakers and historians will share insights on Major Boro’s impact and the ongoing struggle for the Niger Delta’s development and recognition.
While the Warri event is the focal point for the Western Zone, Ijaws worldwide will also hold events commemorating Major Boro’s sacrifice and vision, demonstrating the far-reaching influence of his legacy.
* Tompolo doesn’t spray money; he cannot be held accountable for actions of unknown individuals – Ozobo, IPDI
A leading Niger Delta activist Comrade Ozobo Austin who doubles as the National president of the Ijaw People’s Development Initiative (IPDI), has come forward to exonerate High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, widely known as Tompolo, from the recent allegations of monetary abuse levied by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The Niger Delta activist emphasized that there is no concrete evidence supporting the claims presented in the controversial and manipulative viral video that Tompolo sprayed money. He asserted that it is unjust to hold Tompolo responsible for the misdeeds of others.
Comrade Ozobo further alleged that the EFCC has been misled by individuals involved in oil theft and by naive Nigerians whose motives are grounded in envy and jealousy.
He said Tompolo who has great respect for the country’s laws will not condescend low to abuse the law, adding that it would have been better for EFCC to have looked for the unknown individuals responsible for the abuse of the naira in the viral video than dragging the innocent man to disrepute.
The Niger Delta advocate warned mischief makers to invest their time into a meaningful ventures and pursue responsible causes rather than making propaganda against the innocent Tompolo.
He emphasised that Tompolo would not respond to social media critics and unschooled individuals who take joy in manipulating fellow brothers.
Ozobo urged EFCC to be a noble organization and not to allow evil men and unscrupulous social media influencers to instigate them into commenting on unnecessary issues that were capable of threatening the fragile peace of Niger Delta.
News
Burutu LGA Chairman, Commissioner for Housing Inspect Burial Venue of Late Chief Pa Edwin Clark in Kiagbodo
By Peter Ziakegha, May 10, 2025
Kiagbodo, Burutu_The Executive Chairman of Burutu Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Julius Takeme, in company of the Delta State Commissioner for Housing and Chairman of the Burial Venue Committee, Rt. Hon. Godknows Angele, on Friday inspected the ongoing preparations at the burial venue of the late elder statesman, Chief Pa Edwin Clark, in Kiagbodo.
The visit was aimed at assessing the state of readiness of key facilities and ensuring that arrangements are in place for a dignified and well organised ceremony. The duo expressed satisfaction with the progress of work so far.
Among the areas inspected were the main burial arena, the church slated for the final funeral rites, and the designated parking space for invited dignitaries. Workers were observed mounting canopies, setting up chairs, and grading roadways to ease access to the venue.
Speaking during the inspection, Dr. Takeme lauded the coordination and commitment of the central planning committee. He assured that all logistics would be completed in good time to honour the legacy of the late Chief Pa Edwin Clark.
Preparations are in top gear as the community, the planning committee and the local government get set to host dignitaries and mourners from across the country for the final rites of the respected leader.