Two Colombians Survive Morocco Earthquake

On Friday, September 8th, Morocco was rocked by a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8, according to the United States Geological Survey. According to the latest official report, this natural catastrophe has left a devastating toll, with at least 2,012 people reported dead and 2,059 injured. Amid this tragedy, stories of survival emerge that inspire hope.

Two Colombians in Morocco at the time of the earthquake managed to survive and were located by their concerned families.

The anguishing moment

In the midst of so much anguish, the families of two Colombian women who were in that country at the time of the earthquake managed to locate them and know that they are fine, One of them is Valentina Valderrama, who holds the title of Miss Universe Risaralda 2023. Valentina shared her experience with ‘Noticias Caracol’, recounting the harrowing moments she lived through during the quake.

Valentina Valderrama and her family were enjoying a vacation in Morocco when the earthquake struck the region. The tremor caught them off guard while they were on the third floor of their hotel. “After 15 seconds, everything began to move, and the glass started falling. The room’s pictures fell, and people screamed,” Valentina recounted to the news program.

María Paula Tapiero, a Colombian dancer who has lived in Marrakech for the past five years, also shared her experience of the earthquake. Marrakech is a tourist city located about 60 kilometers from the earthquake’s epicenter.

“We were about to leave to perform our first show, which was scheduled for 11:30 p.m., and we had to be ready by 11:10 p.m. I sat down to wait for my fellow dancers when I felt the ground trembling and vibrating. As we ran out the ceiling was moving,” María Paula recounted.

Anguish and chaos reigned during those critical moments, but these two brave women managed to find safety. Their survival stories are a testament to human resilience in the face of adversity.

In search of more Colombians

While these two Colombians share their experiences of surviving the earthquake in Morocco, Colombian authorities have reported that no physical harm has been reported among affected Colombians. The earthquake was even felt in Portugal, underscoring the magnitude of its impact.

The Embassy and Consulate of Colombia have taken measures to provide support to Colombian citizens in Morocco. On their websites, they have posted crucial information urging Colombians to follow the instructions of local authorities. Additionally, a contact number for urgent assistance, +212 661 217 384, is provided, and people are invited to visit the official website for more information.

Amid the devastation and uncertainty that the earthquake has brought to Morocco, these stories of survival remind us of humanity’s resilience and the importance of solidarity in times of crisis. Colombians in Morocco and their families at home can find comfort in knowing that, although they face significant challenges, they are not alone in their quest for safety and stability amid this tragedy.