Once again, we stand stunned before the destruction wrought by the forces of nature.
The earthquake of Friday, September 8, 2023, caused endless damage in Morocco. In the Atlas Mountains, the earthquake has left a trail of devastation. Over 2,000 people are dead, and entire towns and families have been wiped out.
In Libya, the floods following the "Daniel" depression, which previously devastated large parts of the Balkans and Greece, have caused enormous destruction. More than 30,000 people have lost their homes. The city of Derna in the northeast of the country has been particularly affected by the disaster. There, two dams have broken, and the masses of water have washed entire city districts into the sea. So far, about 5,000 people have been confirmed dead, and more than 10,000 are still missing.
Our thoughts are especially with the BPW members and their families in these countries. We mourn with them for the many victims of the disasters. We think of the bereaved families in the devastated and destroyed areas, who have to find their way through the rubble of their homes and lives in great grief. We think of the countless helpers who bring emergency aid and human warmth; they work tirelessly for rescue under such dire conditions. We have great respect for this courage and dedication.
We wish them all strength and confidence.
Dr. Catherine Bosshart, BPW International President 2021-2024
