Search and rescue operations continue in Morocco today, Tuesday, to find survivors and assist hundreds of homeless individuals who lost their homes, despite diminishing hopes after more than 72 hours since the earthquake. The death toll has risen to 2,901, with 5,530 injured. Moroccan rescue teams, supported by foreign teams, are trying to expedite search efforts to locate potential survivors and provide shelter for hundreds of families who lost their homes.
Meanwhile, the Moroccan army stated that it is reinforcing search and rescue teams, providing drinking water, and distributing food, tents, and blankets.
#### Morocco Rejects Aid from Algeria
On the other hand, the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Algerian authorities that, after evaluation, it does not need the proposed assistance from Algeria to help the earthquake victims. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: "In a media statement yesterday, the Moroccan Minister of Justice announced acceptance of the humanitarian assistance proposed by Algeria, as long as it is coordinated with the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs." It noted that "based on this statement, the Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed its Moroccan counterpart through the Algerian consulate general in Morocco and the Moroccan consulate in Algeria about the measures taken by the Algerian government to mobilize three large-capacity planes to transport assistance to Morocco, in line with the essential needs for natural disaster situations."
It announced that "the Director General of the Moroccan Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Algerian consul that after evaluation, Morocco does not need the proposed humanitarian assistance from Algeria."
#### International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies launched an urgent appeal today, Tuesday, to raise 100 million Swiss francs (112.3 million dollars) to support the earthquake victims. Caroline Holt, the Federation’s Global Operations Director, told reporters in Geneva, "In this appeal, we seek to raise 100 million Swiss francs to meet the most urgent needs at this time." She added, "We need to ensure that a second wave of disaster is avoided." Holt pointed out that the Federation approved funding of 1 million Swiss francs from the emergency response fund immediately after the earthquake to assist the Moroccan Red Crescent in providing immediate relief.
She added, "This response, as with many earthquakes, is a long race." She continued, "Those affected by the earthquake will need support for weeks and months to come, and we will need to continue to show solidarity and support not just now but in the future."
A key road linking the Atlas Mountains to Marrakech was closed yesterday evening due to the overwhelming number of vehicles and people carrying relief supplies headed towards some of the hardest-hit communities in the remote mountainous areas.
