North Africa Ravaged By Natural Disasters
Earlier this month in the North African countries of Morocco and Libya each experienced disasters. On September 8, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco killing nearly 3,000 people. A few days later due to flooding two dams burst in the eastern Libyan coastal city of Derna killing more than 11,000. The death toll is expected to rise in both countries in the coming weeks, while tens of thousands remain displaced. Meanwhile rescue teams are desperately trying to find survivors. In both Morocco and Libya poor infrastructure contributed to the high number of deaths.
What happened in North Africa?
Instructors: click the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom. The deck contains a writing prompt and a debate question as well as other assessment questions.
Download: CQP_Lecture_Spark_PPT_North Africa Ravaged By Natural Disasters
Videos
News Articles
Libya flood: Derna mayor’s house burnt down in protests
BBC NEWS
September 19, 2023
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66849131
Libya flood damage revealed as 10,000 remain missing
SKY NEWS
September 17, 2023
https://news.sky.com/story/libya-flood-damage-revealed-as-10-000-remain-missing-12963520
Morocco’s earthquake crumbled much of this adobe village nestled in the mountain
NPR
September 19, 2023
Morocco’s earthquake crumbled an adobe village nestled in the mountain : NPR
IMF Announced $1.3 Billion Loan Agreement with Morocco Amidst Earthquake Recovery Efforts
MOROCCO WORLD NEWS
September 17, 2023
Libya and Morocco: two very different responses to catastrophe
THE GUARDIAN
September 15, 2023
The other culprit in Libya’s floods
ALJAZEERA
September 19, 2023
https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2023/9/19/the-other-culprit-in-libyas-floods
Western security depends on rebuilding Morocco
FINANCIAL TIMES
September 14, 2023
Western security depends on rebuilding Morocco | Financial Times (ft.com)
Morocco’s quake survivors must rebuild their homes and lives. But decimated communities can do little to help
CNN
September 16, 2023
Assessment
Writing: What is the significance of the disasters in North Africa?
Debate: Should Morocco accept assistance from France?
Poll: Should the international community support regime change in countries that are undemocratic yet stable?
Short Answer: What contributed to the high death tolls for the earthquake in Morocco and the flooding in Libya?
News Quiz
True/False
Recently a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the eastern Libyan coastal city of Derna. (T/F)
Libya is a failed or semi-failed – state. (T/F)
The Moroccan government has reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a 1.3-billion-dollar loan to mitigate future climate-related disasters. (T/F)
Multiple Choice
How many people have died in Libya because of the disaster?
- Less than a 1,000.
- Between 1,000 – 10,000.
- Between 10,000 – 20,000.
- More than 20,000.
Which of the following countries supports warlord Khalifa Hafter?
- Egypt.
- Israel.
- South Africa.
- China
All the following is true concerning Morocco and Libya EXCEPT.
- Morocco is a stable, modern functioning state.
- Libya is characterized as divided and dangerous.
- Morocco is ruled by Muammar Gaddafi.
- Libya lacks a functioning weather agency.
