Morocco: For now, only four countries are allowed to help

“The last few nights have been terrible. Hundreds of people are sleeping on the streets or lying with blankets in parks because they are afraid to go home. In addition to the enormous physical devastation, there is also the emotional damage caused by the horror and horror experienced “The fear caused by the fear is very severe,” says Hlima Razkaoui, Secretary General of Care Morocco. According to official information so far, at least 2,497 people were killed and at least 2,476 other people were injured in the 6.8 magnitude quake that shook Morocco late on Friday evening.

Rejected offers of help

Several aftershocks in the region around Marrakesh have made the work of rescue teams more difficult, and rescue teams from Spain and Great Britain have also started working in the earthquake areas in Morocco. They support the local emergency services.

Although several countries, including Austria and Germany, offered assistance, Morocco initially only accepted support from four countries. The Interior Ministry said late on Sunday evening that the authorities had carried out a precise assessment of the needs. It was taken into account that a “lack of coordination in such situations would lead to adverse results”. Therefore, they initially “responded to the offers of support from the friendly countries of Spain, Qatar, Great Britain and the United Arab Emirates,” the statement continued.

Morocco initially did not respond to France’s offer to send rescue workers to the earthquake-stricken region. This caused a lot of discussion in France, where many Moroccans live. France’s Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna rejected the idea that tensions between the two countries could be the reason for this in an interview with broadcaster BFMTV. Morocco is a sovereign country and initially decided to seek help from other countries. More than 60 countries have offered support and France remains available to provide short and medium-term assistance.

Meanwhile, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin did not want to confirm that Morocco’s King Mohammed VI. (portrait below) was in France during the earthquake. The newspaper “Le Parisien” had reported that the king had been in France since September 1st for medical reasons.

The situation in the earthquake zone is still confusing with more than 2,000 dead and “more than 1,200 people are in critical health,” Care reported.

The need for relief supplies in the Atlas Mountains is great. According to the Moroccan Red Crescent, there is a lack of shelter, food and clean drinking water. The Austrian Red Cross could help with WASH (“Water, Sanitation and Hygiene”) tools should support be requested, said Michael Opriesnig, Secretary General of the Austrian Red Cross.

He warns against traveling to the quake area to help yourself: “The danger is too great, and people from outside who have to be accommodated and fed represent an additional burden for aid organizations.”

Travelers from Austria

According to the Austrian Foreign Ministry, there are currently around 130 registered travelers from Austria in Morocco (as of Monday morning) – so the number of holidaymakers who register has increased slightly, as is usually the case after such events. “Fortunately, we still have no information that any of them were injured,” said a spokeswoman in response to an APA request. The Foreign Ministry is in constant contact with Austrian citizens if necessary.

Support is provided for those affected in finding accommodation and transport options. The ministry also referred to the Foreign Ministry’s emergency number (+43 1 90115 4411), which is available around the clock.

Help for Morocco

Aid organizations in Austria are asking for donations to support the earthquake victims in Morocco. “Injured people and people who have lost everything need help now,” appeals Red Cross President Gerald Creator.

Donation accounts:

• CARE Austria: AT77 6000 0000 0123 6000
• International relief organization: AT71 6000 0000 9000 1002
• Austrian Red Cross: AT57 2011 1400 1440 0144
• Doctors Without Borders: AT43 2011 1289 2684 7600
• Youth One World: AT66 3600 0000 0002 4000
• Caritas Austria: AT23 2011 1000 0123 4560

The king who was in Paris and delayed help

The times when King Mohammed VI. when there was a man of the people, are long gone. The 60-year-old, who has been in power since 1999, rarely leaves the royal palace. The earthquake, of all places, was such a rare occasion. The monarch only returned from France 18 hours after the devastating accident. The palace did not provide any further details about the reason for his absence.

However, it is considered unlikely that he was vacationing in his 1,600 square meter Paris palace worth 80 million euros. The Moroccan king probably had to seek medical treatment in France once again. Because the ruler, who holds almost all power in his hands, is seriously ill. Even his critics already feel sorry for him.

His suffering can no longer be covered up: his unsteady gait and dramatic weight loss have completely changed his appearance. He is said to be suffering from sarcoidosis – an immune system disorder that can attack any organ. He is also said to have massive heart problems. The divorce from Princess Lalla Salma in 2018 is also likely to have had an impact on the ruler’s balance.

Meanwhile, Mohammed VI is trying. but in crisis management. He called a special session of parliament, ordered three days of national mourning and promised his compatriots rapid help. The fact that he was hesitant to accept the disaster aid offered from all over the world was met with complete incomprehension by the desperate people of Morocco.

Not accepting international aid is not really logical. On the one hand, national pride might be one reason. Mohammed VI, who has no experience with such disasters, probably wants to show the world that Morocco is capable of dealing with the situation itself. On the other hand, political reasons certainly also play a role. Morocco only wants to be helped by its brother countries.

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