On Friday, September 8th, a devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake hit the North African country of Morrocco, causing catastrophic damage to many of its communities. This damage was most devastating to the small villages tucked away in the mountains, such as Tinzert and Tafeghaghte. 

Tinzert faced the devastating loss of 19 lives; it was a huge heartbreak to the close-knit village with a population of 300 people. Tafeghaghte on the other hand, lost half of its 200-person population. Both villages were reduced to nothing but rubble, and there is no doubt that it will be incredibly difficult for them to rebuild not only their towns but also their lives. 

Those who have loved ones still trapped under the debris have had to come to terms with the fact they will not make it out alive. No one in the villages have the tools needed to dig them out and BBC News states that outside help has yet to arrive in the secluded areas. For many of these small communities affected by the earthquake, there is only one road in and out. Those roads have now been blocked by road debris and brick build-up. 

From the most recent report, 2,862 people have died in total, and 2,562 have been injured in the disaster that many citizens have been referring to as a nightmare. The numbers are predicted to have a steady rise when professionals start to clear everything up. In recent days, survivors have started to set up camp in the surrounding areas of what used to be their home. Even with all that is happening, citizens have hope for the future.