The desperate search for a seven-year-old British girl, swept out to sea while on a family holiday in Morocco, has been severely hampered by a powerful storm battering the Atlantic coast. Inaayah Makda, from Blackburn in Lancashire, was pulled into the ocean on Wednesday after sitting on rocks near Casablanca.
Family's Distress and Criticism of Authorities
Her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda, were also swept into the water but tragically lost sight of their daughter amidst the turbulent waves. Distraught relatives have since launched a stinging criticism of the local Moroccan authorities, describing the support offered as 'inhumane' and alleging the worried parents were left to conduct their own beach searches.
A family member expressed the collective anguish, stating: 'We are all really worried. You can understand this is really distressing for everyone. We have reached out for help, but the support has not been forthcoming. The family over there have been walking up and down the beach conducting their own search. They have been disregarded.'
Community and Political Response
The local community in Blackburn has rallied around the family, with a fundraiser already amassing over £41,000 to support the ongoing efforts. Local MP for Blackburn, Adnan Hussain, labelled the situation 'utterly heartbreaking and deeply distressing'.
He confirmed he had spoken to Inaayah's father and was taking urgent action: 'I am urgently raising this matter with the relevant UK authorities, including the Foreign Office, to ensure that every possible step is being taken to support the ongoing search efforts and to provide the family with clear and timely answers. I will also be making direct contact with the Moroccan Ambassador to press for continued assistance and cooperation.' Mr Hussain added that poor weather conditions were a significant factor impeding the operation.
Search Efforts Amidst Severe Weather
According to reports, search teams have deployed drones and water scooters, while all marine vessels in the area received an SOS alert. However, these efforts are unfolding against a backdrop of severe weather across Morocco. The country has been hit by successive depressions, bringing heavy rain and flash flooding, with the army reportedly called in to assist with evacuations in some parts.
Local councillor Salim Sidat, who represents the Audley and Queen's Park ward, echoed the community's sentiments: 'This is a devastating situation, and our thoughts and prayers are with Inaayah and her family. Let's come together as a community with love and generosity.' The entire community continues to hold the family in their prayers as the challenging search persists.
