Tragedy Strikes Morocco: Massive Earthquake Claims Over 2,000 Lives and Wreaks Havoc
A powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 has struck central Morocco, resulting in a tragic loss of more than 2,000 lives and causing extensive damage in numerous areas. As the clock struck 23:11 local time on Friday, residents were jolted by the sudden onset of violent tremors, prompting them to evacuate into the streets.
The earthquake’s impact was widely felt, spanning from Casablanca to Marrakesh, where numerous buildings have either been completely destroyed or left severely damaged. Many of the victims are believed to be in remote mountainous regions that are challenging to access.
The epicenter of this devastating event was located in the High Atlas Mountains, approximately 71km (44 miles) southwest of Marrakesh. Rescue operations are currently underway, with several bodies having already been recovered from the rubble. Many individuals are still trapped, awaiting help.
The interior ministry of Morocco has reported casualties in the provinces and municipalities of al-Haouz, Marrakesh, Ouarzazate, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, with more than 1,200 people injured.
Marrakesh, in particular, has borne the brunt of the devastation, with multiple buildings collapsing, including significant damage to parts of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Notably, the historic Kutubiyya mosque’s minaret is surrounded by dust, and the Jemaa el Fnaa mosque has suffered partial collapse.
One resident, Rashid Ben Arabi, recounted his frantic dash to reach his family in Amizmiz, located about 56km (35 miles) from Marrakesh. He described a chaotic scene with people fleeing the city in complete darkness due to a power outage.
Rashid’s journey was fraught with anxiety as he encountered people in hysterics, searching for their loved ones. Tragically, he witnessed a man unable to rescue his two trapped children from a collapsed house.
Despite finding his parents safe in Amizmiz, they, like many others, spent the night in the open due to the government’s warning against reentering homes amid fears of severe aftershocks. A 4.9 magnitude aftershock occurred just 19 minutes after the initial earthquake.
The extent of damage in mountain villages remains uncertain but is suspected to be widespread. Many simple structures in these remote areas may not have survived the quake.
Notably, the earthquake’s relatively shallow epicenter in a remote section of the High Atlas Mountains caused tremors to ripple as far as the capital, Rabat (350km away), as well as Casablanca and Essaouira.
The earthquake also had repercussions in neighboring Algeria, though officials report no damage or casualties. Algeria has expressed readiness to open its airspace for humanitarian and medical flights to Morocco, despite severed diplomatic ties since 2021, including a suspension of direct flights.
Global leaders have extended their support to Morocco in this trying time. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and French President Emmanuel Macron both offered solidarity and assistance to Morocco. US President Joe Biden and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky expressed their solidarity, while Vladimir Putin conveyed Russia’s shared grief with the Moroccan people.
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