On the anniversary of September 11th, Governor Doug Burgum released a statement saying, “twenty-two years later, we honor the nearly 3,000 individuals who died in the 9/11 attacks and the heroic actions of the police, firefighters, and other first responders who bravely saved lives while risking their own. We will never forget them or the 29 military service members from North Dakota who have laid down their lives for our freedom in the Global War on Terrorism. To them we owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. We encourage all citizens to take time to thank a first responder, find a way to give back to their community, and display an American flag, remembering the renewed patriotism and unity that arose in the aftermath of that tragic day.”
Our remembrance of the almost 3,000 lives so tragically lost during September 11th places us in a unique moment to sympathize with the terror and the sorrow of fellow humanity in Morocco as they too deal with the loss of parents, friends, and loved ones in the aftermath of an earthquake that struck on September 8th, 2023. We share their grief as they have moved into three days and nights of mourning as we too remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Countries around the globe have united to comfort and support Morocco in this difficult time, and we must join them.
Around 3,000 lives are estimated to have been lost in that recent earthquake that devastated Morocco. The earthquake’s original magnitude registered a horrifying 6.8 on the Richter scale, with its aftershocks reaching up to a magnitude of 4.9. Villages located in mountainous regions are expected to have been hit especially hard as their lack of accessibility will lead to significant delays in search and rescue operations as well as treatment for the critically injured. Several important religious and cultural landmarks have been heavily damaged or destroyed while even more residential areas have been decimated. People are still gathered outside in droves because they either have already been rendered homeless or are concerned that their residences might too crumble.
The Guardian’s report on this matter includes various testimonies from those directly affected such as Fayssal Badour who recalls, “I was returning home when the earthquake struck. My car rocked back and forth, but I didn’t imagine for a single second this meant there was an earthquake happening. I stopped and I realized the catastrophe … it felt like we were on a river that suddenly burst its banks. The cries and the shouts were unbearable.” Another testimony is from a resident of Essaouira who stated, “We heard screams at the time of the tremor. People are in the squares, in the cafes, preferring to sleep outside. Pieces of facades have fallen.”
The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, released this statement, “I express my deep sadness at the loss of life and destruction caused by yesterday’s earthquake in Morocco and extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of those affected. The United States is ready to provide any necessary assistance as Morocco responds to this tragedy.” During this time of devastation, we must share Morocco’s grief and support them as they continue to address this tragedy.
Kira Symington is a Dakota Student General Reporter. She can be reached at [email protected].
