SUMMARY

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.

Update: The death toll in the Morocco continues to rise while Libya counts at least 5,300 killed in catastrophic flooding. Classrooms may want to include this story, which adds context and information about flooding in Libya, another North African country facing catastrophe.

For a transcript of this story, click here.

News wrap alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

WARM UP QUESTIONS

1. Where did the earthquake strike? What city was near the epicenter (origin point of the earthquake)?
2. How many people are known to have died in the earthquake?
3. What are some reasons the recovery response has been slowed?
4. Why are residents of Morocco frustrated with the response?
5. 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?

News analysis: Why do you think the reporter in this story focused on interviews mostly with civilians affected by the quake?

Alternative: See, Think, Wonder: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What story would you want to find out more about? Where would you go to learn more?

FOR MORE

What students can do: First, learn more about the earthquake, including what U.S. citizens can do to help, by reading this story.

Then as a class, discuss — what is the best way for everyday citizens to help support the people of Morocco?

A view shows Tinmel Mosque which was damaged by the deadly earthquake in Tinmel, Morocco, September 11, 2023. Photo by Hannah McKay/REUTERS

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