Tirajana, with a heavy heart due to the earthquake in Morocco

The more than 2.000 Moroccan families residing in the south of Gran Canaria, where San Bartolomé de Tirajana groups 66,35% of the Moroccans residing in. The Canary Islands have received this weekend expressions of solidarity and support for the powerful earthquake that has killed more than 2.000 people and injured many more, the deadliest earthquake in the country in more than six decades, demolishing houses in remote villages mountainous areas where rescuers were digging through the rubble in search of survivors.

The mayor of San Bartolomé de Tirajana, Marco Aurelio Pérez, has been in contact with Moroccan entities in the south of the island in case they need institutional support or to know the whereabouts of family victims through the Moroccan consular services in the Canary Islands. Likewise, the Canarian Association of Friends of Morocco is reporting on how to manage material and human efforts due to this tragedy.

The 7,2 magnitude earthquake struck Morocco's High Atlas Mountains late Friday night. The Interior Ministry said 820 people had been killed and another 672 injured. Most of the deaths occurred in mountainous areas on the outskirts of Marrakesh, the city closest to the epicenter. In Marrakech, where 13 people were confirmed dead, residents spent the night outdoors, afraid to return home.

The tremor was strong enough to drive most residents from their homes when it struck shortly after 23:00 p.m. (22:00 p.m. GMT) and many slept outside, fearful of aftershocks in a city where many of the Old houses are made of stone and mud bricks. Although the peak tourist season has ended, many foreigners are still in the city, captivated by the architectural glories that have attracted visitors for centuries.