On Friday 8 September , a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco at around 11pm local time, killing more than 2,000 people and injuring tens of thousands.  An aftershock of 4.9 struck 19 minutes later. The earthquake’s epicentre was in the High Atlas Mountains, 71km (44 miles) south-west of Marrakesh, and caused severe damage for hundreds of miles.  The damage is particularly severe in parts of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Search and rescue efforts continue to work around-the-clock to look for survivors, and tend to the injured and displaced.  It is believed that the death toll will continue to rise as they reach remote villages which could have sustained devastating damage.  May these brave rescuers be successful in carrying out their respective tasks and be free from harm and danger.

Let us pray and radiate thoughts of ‘mettā-karunā’ to the victims.  May the injured receive due care and may the families of those who have succumbed remain strong and composed.  Let us also pray for those who have perished in this tragedy – may they rest in Peace.