In a display of unity with his nation during a trying time, the King of Morocco visited earthquake survivors in a hospital close to the quake’s epicenter and made a remarkable gesture by donating his own blood.
King Mohammed VI conducted an inspection of the hospital named after him in Marrakech, where he inquired about the recovery efforts and medical care provided to those affected by the earthquake that struck on Friday night. The official MAP news agency reported that the king was photographed at the bedside of several patients, including a touching moment where he bent over to give a young boy a comforting kiss on his head and offered his support to an elderly man.
In an unexpected move, the king, wearing glasses, was spotted sitting in a chair with his coat off, suspenders visible, and shirt sleeve rolled up, ready to contribute his blood. Blood donations have emerged as a national symbol of solidarity, with Moroccans queuing up in Marrakech and other cities to donate blood for the earthquake victims. The earthquake, originating in the Atlas Mountains, claimed the lives of over 2,900 people, mostly in mountainous towns and villages, and left more than 2,000 individuals injured. As of Tuesday, over 240 of the injured were undergoing treatment in hospitals in the Marrakech region.
Additionally, the earthquake caused damage to sections of the historic walls surrounding Marrakech’s ancient city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 12th century. Videos captured dust billowing from portions of the renowned Koutoubia Mosque, one of Marrakech’s iconic historic landmarks. The city also houses one of the royal palaces belonging to the monarch.