The North African country of Morocco has been rocked after 15 people, including 11 foreigners, were killed as a result of a bomb attack on a café in Marrakesh’s famous Djemma el-Fna square.
The entire second floor of the Argana café was destroyed in the blast, ripping the roof off the upstairs terrace and ruining the face of the shop front.
It is unclear what the nationalities of the victims are at this stage, however medical sources say at least six were French. According the French newspaper Parisian, four Japanese were casualties, and it is believed the last foreign victim was a British national. 20 others were injured in the blast.
"Everything was covered in blood. The scene was horrifying. Tables were broken and glass was shattered." Photographer Tarek Bozid told The Independent newspaper.
It is believed a suicide bomber caused the blast – witnesses reported seeing a man carrying a bag into the cafe and before the explosion - but at time of publication this has been unconfirmed.Medics treating the injured confirmed that nails were discovered in one of the bodies.
No groups have come forward to claim responsibility for the carnage, however, men claiming to be members of al-Qaida’s North African wing stated in a recent YouTube video that Moroccan interests would soon be attacked.
However, the blast could be a result of recent anti-government protests inspired by the uprisings in Egypt and Tunisia.
It’s Morocco’s worst attack since 2003 – when 45 people were killed in Casablanca as a result of a suicide bombing.
Marrakesh is Morocco’s shining tourism jewel, and locals say that the latest attack will have dire effects on the popular centre.
"People are panicking. This is a terrorist act and it will affect the economy and tarnish the country's image. Local investors are selling," a Moroccan stock exchange trader said.
"With this attack and amid the worrying unrest in the region, tourism will hit the doldrums for some time," said a Moroccan businessman.
Moroccan Interior Minister Taib Cherkaoui said that allegations of a suicide attack could not be confirmed at this stage, but said: "I can assure you that we continue to fight terrorism with all legal means. The criminals implicated in this act will be brought to justice."
Surviving a terror attack
Travellers involved or close
to a terror incident are advised to exercise heightened security
awareness and to follow the directives of local authorities. Here are a
few safety first tips:
- Stay within the confines of your residence or accommodation.
- Do not go out into the public streets.
- Be alert to local news developments.
- Adhere to any imposed curfews or security restrictions.
- Be
aware of conspicuous or unusual behaviour. Unusual behaviour and
strange devices should be reported to the police or security personnel
promptly.
- If you are in a building located close to the site of a terrorist attack, stay away from the windows.
- If
in the vicinity of an attack, do not stay to watch what is happening,
as you will only get in the way of the emergency services. There is also
a risk that additional attacks may occur.
- Make a mental note of safe havens, such as police stations and hospitals.
If there's a bomb blast
- Leave the area as soon as possible
- Do not run you may be suspected as the bomber. If you are in a crowd stay at the fringes.
- Stay clear of glass shop fronts.
- If you are injured attend to yourself before others.
- Obey all instructions and orders that are given by local police.
- Make your way to a pre planned secure area.
- If you return to your hotel stay away from the windows.
- Listen to television and radio reports.
- Contact family or friends and let them know your situation.
- Write down what you saw before and after the blast it may help the authorities in their investigation.
If you are injured
If you are injured or become ill please seek medical aid and contact your 24-hour Medical Assistance Service (numbers below).
Be
aware that any functioning hospitals and clinics will be busy caring
for large numbers of people who have been injured in the incident.
Preparing for terrorism
Before
visiting a country where there is a risk of terrorism you should first
obtain as much information on that country as possible.
- When you arrive, stay away from those areas that may have been the target of terrorism in the past.
- Identify the main tourist areas and stay away from those which appear less secure.
- Make yourself aware of your surroundings. Be aware of the conduct of people near to you.
- Stay away from large gatherings or demonstrations.
- Know the telephone numbers of local police, hospitals and your Embassy.
- If you are with friends identify a rendezvous point to meet should there be an incident.
- Prepare a plan to evacuate should there be an incident.
- Know the telephone numbers of local transport and hire car companies.
What is happening to me and who do I call?
It is important to remember that the situation you are in can be extremely stressful.
Call home and your country's Consulate or Embassy to let them know where you are, if you are alright and if you need any assistance.
Keeping an item of comfort nearby, such as a family photo, favorite music, or religious material, can often offer comfort in such situations.
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's policy holders).
Emergency Assistance Contacts
Call the emergency assistance hotlines should
you need immediate attention (phone numbers below for WorldNomad's
policy holders).Please have your name, location and phone number ready
when you call (and policy number if available)
Click here for a list of 24 hour emergency assistance hotline numbers.
About WorldNomads.com
WorldNomads.com keeps our members travelling safely by offering a range of travel services such as Travel Insurance to residents from over 140 countries, the latest travel safety advice, free travel blogs and language guides for your iPhone/ Ipods.
We also offer a range of exciting travel scholarships.
Whether
you’re heading off for a long weekend, seeking the ultimate adventure
or travelling around the world, we’re there with you, helping to keep
you safe, covered and getting the most from your travel experience.
