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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: Divine Perezide
Bayelsa State has recently dominated media conversations – for both challenges and remarkable achievements. While reports of insecurity, cult clashes, and kidnapping occasionally surface, the state’s transformation under the administration of Senator Douye Diri continues to overshadow the negatives. From the Bayelsa Central Bus Terminal and the International Stadium to the Power Plant and now Bayelsa Air, the state’s development trajectory bears the mark of purposeful leadership. Indeed, the story of Governor Douye Diri aptly reflects the saying: “A bend in the road is not the end of the road.”
Good governance advocate and Editor-in-Chief of IduwiniVoice, Prince Dr. Peretengboro Klintin Bibaikefie, has described Governor Douye Diri as not just “The Miracle Governor” but “A Miracle-Working Governor.” According to him, it is rare to see a second-term governor working with such intensity while many of his peers are content showcasing their first-term achievements. “Only a miracle,” he asserts, “can inspire such dedication and passion.”
From the outset, Governor Diri’s journey has carried divine undertones. His emergence as Bayelsa’s fifth democratically elected Governor remains one of the most extraordinary twists in Nigeria’s political history a clear testament to the hand of God. Many across the political and social spectrum agree that his leadership was divinely orchestrated for a special mission, not just for Bayelsa but for the entire Ijaw Nation.
Upon assumption of office, Governor Diri inherited a near-empty treasury. The state could barely afford basic operations, including fueling vehicles and generators in Government House. Yet, rather than despair, he focused on service delivery, setting aside personal comfort for the work at hand.
Just as his administration was finding its footing, the global COVID-19 pandemic struck, shutting down economies and stalling progress. Hardly had the state recovered when the catastrophic 2022 flood one of the worst in Nigeria’s history ravaged communities. Being largely below sea level, Bayelsa was particularly devastated, with rivers and tributaries converging into the Atlantic Ocean across Ofits terrain.
At that point, many believed the governor’s tenure was doomed to fail. However, what seemed like setbacks were, in hindsight, divine tests preparing him for greatness. Each crisis became an avenue for providence to showcase grace. Today, the unfolding developments reveal a leader destined for transformation Generational Leader.
Such leaders appear once in a century figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkrumah, Chief Ernest Sisei Ikoli, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro. They share uncommon humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and people-oriented governance. Governor Douye Diri exemplifies these virtues. Those close to him attest to his calm disposition, forgiving spirit, and tireless devotion to service.
Observers with spiritual insight often say that the spirits of Chief (Sen.) Dr. Melford Okilo, High Chief Harold Dappa-Biriye, and Major Isaac Jasper Adaka Boro dwell within him, guiding his actions and shaping his vision for Bayelsa.
Indeed, the governor’s record speaks volumes. Beyond rhetoric, tangible projects now redefine the state’s landscape:
New Gas Turbines ensuring 24-hour power supply for Yenagoa and environs, Nembe-Brass Road, Yenagoa-Angiama-Otuan-Oporoma Road, New Yenagoa City Development Project, Glory Drive Phases II & III, Polaku-Sabagriea Road, Akaba-Ogu-Okodi Road, 25,000-capacity FIFA-standard Stadium, Angiama-Enewari Road, 9-storey New State Secretariat Complex, Sagbama-Ekeremor-Agge Road, among others
The latest addition – Bayelsa Air – has again stunned Bayelsans and the world. The state recently acquired two aircraft to operate routes from Yenagoa and Port Harcourt to Abuja, Lagos, and other destinations, with plans for additional fleets underway.
This bold move has sparked public admiration and curiosity: Is the governor campaigning for a third term? Though constitutionally impossible, such speculation underscores public awe at his relentless pursuit of progress uncommon trait among second-term an leaders who often retreat into complacency.
With uninterrupted power supply, improved infrastructure, and expanding connectivity, Bayelsa is poised for an economic renaissance. Investors, entrepreneurs, and tourists will soon flood the state, unlocking new opportunities and prosperity.
In all, the people of Bayelsa have every reason to give thanks – for the gift of Governor Douye Diri, the Miracle Governor, and for the dawn of a new era of hope, growth, and transformation.
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Just In: Ogulagha Community Mourn As Family Set To Lay Late Brateide Karawei To Rest October 10.
By: Favour Bibaikefie
The Karawei family of Ogulagha Community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State has announced the burial arrangements for remains of Late Mr. Brateide Karavei, who died on August 6, 2025,at the age of 73.
Until his death, Brateide, a cherished elder of the Karawei family, was a descendant of late Pa. Kalaoru Karawei of Ofou-Ware in Ofougbene Community and Mama Ayan Olukpa Karawei of Egbenebo Idumu in Agge Community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. He was widely regarded as a devoted husband, father,grandfather, uncle, and community figure whose life touched many across Ijaw land and beyond.
According to a statement released by the family and signed by Chief Prefugha Karawei (JP), for the family and Tamarau-Layefa Karawei, for the Children, burial writes will begin on Friday, October 10, 2025. At 8:00AM., his body will leave Vennell Mortuary for his hometown, Ogulagha, where a brief Christian Funeral Service will be conducted by the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM) at his residence in Obuko Idumu, Ogulagha town, followed immediately by interment.
Guests are billed to be entertained later in the evening during an All-night Social Wakekeeping from 7:00PM till dawn, at Ogulagha Hotwater/Garage.
An Outing/Thanksgiving Service will be held on Sunday, October 12, 2025, by 8:AM, at the Rock of Christ Evangelical Love Ministry (RCELM), Ogulagha.
The death of Elder Brateide marks the departure of a respected figure in Ogulagha, Agge, and Ofougbene leaving behind memories of love, leadership, and community service as the Karawei family express deep sorrow over the home call of their father and patriarchal.
2027: Jerry Gana says Jonathan will Return as PDP Presidential candidate
Abuja – former of information, prof. Jerry Gana, has stirred Nigeria’s political space with a declaration that ex-president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will return as the presidential candidate for the people’s Democratic party (PDP) in 2027.
Speaking during a political gathering, Gana recalled Jonathan’s famous word in 2025 when he started that his ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. He noted that after Jonathan left office, another president served for eight years, and the current administration has spent two years in power. According to him, Nigerians have now experienced the difference and are calling for Jonathan’s comeback.
I can confirm that former president Goodluck Jonathan will contact the 2027 election as the PDP candidate, Gana affirmed.
The PDP Chieftain further expressed confidence in the resilience of his party, stressing that internal disputes would not derail it’s resurgence. He described the PDP as the most democratic political structure in the country, anchored on grassroots participation and popular support.
Gana maintained that Jonathan’s expected candidacy reflects the will of Nigerians who yearn for stability, utility, and credible leadership as the nation prepares for another election cycle.