Moroccan Expatriates Share Suffering with their Families

The earthquake in Morocco united Moroccans, especially those living abroad, particularly in the UAE, after the shock that struck them with grief for their homeland. Some witnessed and heard the destruction that befell the earthquake victims through the screens of their phones. The news of the earthquake was more challenging for them than they could bear, and all they could do was share the strength of pain and suffering with their families residing in Morocco.

Moroccan filmmaker Reehan Kendri, residing in Dubai, expressed in her statement to Mohammed Bin Rashid School's newspaper, "I couldn't comprehend what happened because it was entirely unexpected, especially since I don't always keep up with the news. I didn't know about the Dutch scientist Frank Hoogerbeets' earthquake prediction." She added, "This incident made me realize that I need to try to keep up with the latest news around the world."

She continued, "The videos and images on the internet of families who lost their loved ones and/or homes have devastated me. I feel like I want to do anything just to help, and at the same time, I feel extreme helplessness." Before adding, "After arriving in Morocco, specifically in Rabat, I hope to connect with what is happening here in a closer way, see things for myself, and try to empathize with the feeling of losing everything."

The earthquake that occurred on the evening of September 8th claimed more than 2,900 lives and left thousands injured at least until September 20th, according to Arab television. The feelings towards the earthquake unite Moroccans, whether they are in Rabat, where Kendri's family lives, to Casablanca, where flight attendant Salwa Samili's family is. She is residing in Dubai and said, "I received the news at 4 am, and my father sent me a message on WhatsApp containing pictures of the earthquake's destruction. Since that moment, my thoughts have been with my family in Morocco. It's a tough feeling as an expatriate to hear this news while being far away." She continued, "My city experienced a state of panic and fear to the extent that some residents went to the streets at night."

The earthquake disaster strengthened Moroccans' pride and happiness in their unity and solidarity. In this regard, Hilton Dubai receptionist Rachid Ait Amou said, "We showed the world that Moroccans are exceptional. What made me proud as a Moroccan is how the citizens dealt with the situation and how they united Morocco at the same time."

Earlier, Dutch earthquake expert Frank Hoogerbeets speculated the possibility of an earthquake, writing in a post on the "X" platform Twitter days before the disaster, "Seismic activity will occur between September 5th and 7th." This prediction was realized on the night of September 8th.