Slow Rescue Efforts After Devastating Earthquake in Morocco
Ask students: Where did the earthquake strike? What city was near the epicenter? Why are residents frustrated with the response?
The aftershocks of the earthquake that hit Morocco Friday continued into this week as the death toll approached 3,000. That number is expected to rise further along with the number of injured. The rescue and recovery operations continue at a slow pace, a source of frustration and anger for many Moroccans who say the government is not doing enough. Special correspondent Alex Cadier reports from Marrakesh.
For a transcript of this story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Where did the earthquake strike? What city was near the epicenter (origin point of the earthquake)?
- How many people are known to have died in the earthquake?
- What are some reasons the recovery response has been slowed?
- Why are residents of Morocco frustrated with the response?
- Who as been permitted into the country to help with rescue operations?
Focus Questions
What obligations do you think the United States has to help provide relief to a country like Morocco that has experienced a devastating natural disaster? Why do you think Morocco is only accepting help from a small number of countries?
Media literacy: Why do you think the reporter in this story focused on interviews mostly with civilians affected by the quake?
Extension Activity
Learn more about the earthquake, including what U.S. citizens can do to help, by reading this story.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories. The site combines the best of NewsHour's reliable, trustworthy news program with lesson plans developed specifically for... See More
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