Could Stormy Seas Delay the Search for the Missing Girl?

The search for seven-year-old Inaayah Makda, who went missing after being swept out to sea in Morocco, faces challenges due to stormy weather conditions. Her family, who were on holiday, are receiving support from local authorities and the UK Foreign Office as efforts to locate her continue.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Search efforts for Inaayah Makda are currently ongoing but have been significantly hampered by adverse weather conditions resulting from a storm in Casablanca, Morocco. The girl was reportedly swept away by a large wave while sitting on the beach with her parents, Zubair and Tasneem Makda. As rescue operations unfold, Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain has been in contact with Moroccan officials, receiving assurances that local authorities are prioritising the search.

Key takeaways

Inaayah Makda, 7, went missing after being swept out to sea on Wednesday.
Search efforts are hindered by stormy weather in Casablanca.
The family is receiving support from the UK Foreign Office and local Moroccan authorities.
A Go Fund Me has raised over £60,000 for private search efforts and family expenses.
Community support in Blackburn has been strong, uniting locals around the family's plight.

Timeline: how we got here

The tragic incident took place on Wednesday, 11 October 2023, in Casablanca, Morocco, during what was meant to be the family's first night of a week-long holiday. Here are the key events leading up to the ongoing search:

11 October 2023: Inaayah Makda was swept out to sea by a wave while on the beach with her parents.
11 October 2023: Parents Zubair and Tasneem Makda lost sight of their daughter amidst the chaos.
12 October 2023: Blackburn MP Adnan Hussain confirms ongoing search efforts and support from Moroccan authorities.
12 October 2023: A Go Fund Me appeal launched to support the family has raised over £60,000.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

As of now, the search operations have been complicated by stormy weather, which has made it difficult for teams to conduct effective searches. MP Adnan Hussain highlighted the efforts of the Moroccan civil protection team, which has been dispatched to assist in the search for Inaayah.

What was already established

It was previously reported that Inaayah was swept away while her family was enjoying their holiday in Casablanca. Her parents were also knocked into the water, but they managed to survive and have been actively involved in the search efforts since the incident occurred.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The ongoing search for Inaayah has resonated deeply within the Blackburn community, prompting a wave of support. The significant fundraising effort on Go Fund Me reflects the community's solidarity and compassion during this distressing time.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses have shown support by promoting the Go Fund Me campaign and offering assistance to the family. This situation highlights the power of community in times of crisis and the potential for local businesses to play a role in supporting affected families.

Policy and regulation

The UK Foreign Office is actively involved in the situation, liaising with Moroccan authorities to ensure that appropriate resources are allocated to the search efforts. The governor of Casablanca has confirmed that the civil protection team is on site, indicating a structured response to the incident.

Numbers that matter

£60,000+: Amount raised through the Go Fund Me appeal to support search efforts and family expenses.
7: Age of Inaayah Makda, the missing girl.
20 minutes: Duration that the tide reportedly took to come in, catching the family by surprise.
1: Number of confirmed search teams currently involved in the search efforts.

Definitions and jargon buster

Go Fund Me: A crowdfunding platform used to raise money for personal causes.
Civil protection team: A group of professionals trained to respond to emergencies and disasters.
Foreign Office: The UK government department responsible for foreign affairs and international relations.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

In the immediate future, search efforts will continue, weather permitting. Family members and local authorities are expected to remain in close contact as updates unfold.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the search progresses, there may be further developments regarding the investigation into the incident. The community's response could also evolve, potentially leading to more structured support initiatives for affected families in similar situations.

Signals to watch

Updates from the Moroccan civil protection team regarding search efforts.
Official statements from the Blackburn MP and the UK Foreign Office on support measures.
Community fundraising efforts and initiatives to support the Makda family.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed through official channels regarding search updates.
Support the family through community initiatives or donations if possible.
Respect the family's privacy during this distressing time.

Don’t

Spread unverified information about the incident or search efforts.
Engage in speculation regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Neglect the emotional impact this situation may have on the family and community.

Checklist

Stay updated on the latest search efforts via trusted news sources.
Consider contributing to the Go Fund Me campaign if you wish to help.
Offer emotional support to those affected in the community.
Be respectful when discussing the incident in public forums.
Engage with local community efforts aimed at providing assistance.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The ongoing search for Inaayah Makda is subject to a variety of uncertainties, including weather conditions that may impact search efforts. Additionally, while the Moroccan authorities have assured support, the effectiveness of the search remains to be seen. The situation is fluid, and developments may arise that could change the course of the search or the family's situation.

Bottom line

The disappearance of seven-year-old Inaayah Makda is a tragic event that has captured the attention and support of the Blackburn community. As search efforts continue against challenging weather conditions, the solidarity shown by the community is commendable. The situation remains precarious, and ongoing updates will be essential in the coming days.

FAQs

What happened to Inaayah Makda?

Inaayah Makda was swept out to sea by a wave while on holiday in Morocco with her parents on 11 October 2023. They lost sight of her amid the chaos.

How can I help Inaayah's family?

You can contribute to the Go Fund Me campaign that has been set up to support the family with search costs and other expenses during this difficult time.

What is the current status of the search efforts?

Search efforts are ongoing but have been hindered by stormy weather conditions. Local authorities and the Moroccan civil protection team are actively involved in the search.