Fears grow for missing Brits caught up in devastating earthquake in Morocco

09 September 2023 , 20:27

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Rescue workers search for survivors in a collapsed house following the earthquake (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Fears are growing tonight for Britons caught up in the devastating Morocco earthquake as the death toll has topped 1,000.

Its epicentre was close to Marrakech, the country’s most popular international tourist destination where an estimated 5,000 to 8,000 UK holidaymakers are believed to be staying.

The quake, which hit a powerful 7.2 on the Richter scale, left hundreds of building collapsed in the area and 1,037 dead with 1,204 more injured according to Moroccan officials.

No Britons have yet been confirmed among the dead, but concerns are now growing over holidaymakers already reported missing. They include Rebecca Calvert, 65, and friend Hilary Mckegney, 64, who have not been in contact with loved ones since the country’s most powerful quake in 120 years hit on Friday night.

Rebecca Calvert is missing in Morocco and her daughter is extremely worried

Rebecca’s daughter Katie, 27, has called on the Foreign Office to send in rescue teams to help find them. She said: “We are sick with worry. “They were staying in a small village called Imlil in the Atlas mountains. We last heard from them at 9.30pm on Friday. We have reported them missing. We’re desperate for help. We just want to know they are safe.” Rebecca, of Windsor, Berkshire, and Hilary, from Taunton, Somerset, had been trekking. They are due to fly home on Monday. A large number of UK flights had arrived in Marrakech on Friday, hours before the tragedy, including departures from Gatwick, Luton, Stansted, Birmingham and Manchester.

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The earthquake was so powerful it caused tremors in neighbouring Algeria and Portugal more than 600 miles away. The World Health Organisation said at least 300,000 people in the historic city of Marrakesh and its surrounding areas had been affected. Harrowing pictures and video showed the devastation with entire families wiped out. A mum who lost her four children and husband was inconsolable as she was filmed telling reporters their names.

Hilary Mckegney had been trekking in Morocco with Ms Calvert when the quake hit

Buildings, including busy hotels, in the Morocco capital have been severely damaged

Phone footage captured buildings collapsing as people fled for their lives. Social media clips showed people scrambling for safety amid the eerie beat of club music. Other footage revealed locals desperately trying to free people trapped beneath piles of rubble Debris was strewn on top of smashed cars and the old city’s famous red walls were damaged. Meanwhile, residents in remote mountain villages began to bury their dead in the hard-to-reach quake epicentre. In Moulay Brahim, 30 miles south of Marrakech, locals were seen lining up bodies before performing burial prayers.

At least 40 villagers were dead with the number expected to rise. One father said of the moment the quake struck: “We thought it was the day of judgement. I began running and evacuated my four children.” Then he saved his wife and parents.

Foreign secretary James Cleverly said the Government would “stand ready to help our Moroccan friends in whatever way we can”. US president Joe Biden said he was “ready to provide any necessary assistance”.

As soon as the Moroccan government gives the green light around 1,000 rescuers from across the globe are expected to join local teams trying to pull victims from the destruction.

A man is seen outside his damaged house following the 6.8-magnitude earthquake (Xinhua/REX/Shutterstock)

Red Cross spokesperson Tommaso Della Longa said: “The first 24 to 48 hours are critical to save lives of the people under the rubble.” The quake struck shortly after 11pm local time on Friday with its epicentre near the ski resort of Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains, only 44 miles from Marrakech. A 4.9 magnitude aftershock followed 19 minutes later.

Most of the dead are understood to be in hard-to-reach mountain areas and medics last night warned of a shortage of blood reserves. Paris Saint-Germain footballer Achraf Hakimi, 24, was among Moroccan stars posting pictures of themselves donating blood.

Charities in the UK have sprung into action, raising thousands to help those on the ground. The British Red Cross has launched an emergency fundraising appeal and the British Moroccan Society fundraiser on GoFundme had raised £20,000 within hours.

The Foreign Office has advised tourists to follow safety instructions from local authorities. Anyone in the UK concerned about a loved one in Morocco can call 020 7008 5000.

in Marrakech